[blse59]

What would happen if:
 
amp/dac output = 20-20,000hz
headphone capability = 5-30,000hz
 
The amp/dac would limit the headphones in terms of frequency range, no?

 

[Sleep Mode zZ]

  What would happen if:
 
amp/dac output = 20-20,000hz
headphone capability = 5-30,000hz
 
The amp/dac would limit the headphones in terms of frequency range, no?

Maybe. It also could be that the frequency range is defined by different criteria in each case. In the case of the amp it could mean that the amplitude stays within +-0.1dB , or even tighter, in the whole reported frequency range.
 
In headphones it can mean whatever the manufacturer wants it to mean. Could be that in most companies the marketing departments makes them up. If you take a look at the frequency response charts at InnerFidelity, you'll see that they wont stay within tightly defined boundaries. There can be peaks and valleys 20dB or more apart. If you applied a +-0.1dB critera, many headphones, even good headphones, would have a frequency range of something like 80-300Hz, or less.
 
And, anyway, you won't hear that 20kHz-30kHz range, and there might not be much stuff to hear in those frequencies even in "hi-res" recordings, even for your dog, so there is not much point in worrying about it.

 

[blse59]

  Maybe. It also could be that the frequency range is defined by different criteria in each case. In the case of the amp it could mean that the amplitude stays within +-0.1dB , or even tighter, in the whole reported frequency range.
 
In headphones it can mean whatever the manufacturer wants it to mean. Could be that in most companies the marketing departments makes them up. If you take a look at the frequency response charts at InnerFidelity, you'll see that they wont stay within tightly defined boundaries. There can be peaks and valleys 20dB or more apart. If you applied a +-0.1dB critera, many headphones, even good headphones, would have a frequency range of something like 80-300Hz, or less.
 
And, anyway, you won't hear that 20kHz-30kHz range, and there might not be much stuff to hear in those frequencies even in "hi-res" recordings, even for your dog, so there is not much point in worrying about it.

Thanks!

 

[cel4145]

Maybe. It also could be that the frequency range is defined by different criteria in each case. In the case of the amp it could mean that the amplitude stays within +-0.1dB , or even tighter, in the whole reported frequency range.

In headphones it can mean whatever the manufacturer wants it to mean. Could be that in most companies the marketing departments makes them up. If you take a look at the frequency response charts at InnerFidelity, you'll see that they wont stay within tightly defined boundaries. There can be peaks and valleys 20dB or more apart. If you applied a +-0.1dB critera, many headphones, even good headphones, would have a frequency range of something like 80-300Hz, or less.

And, anyway, you won't hear that 20kHz-30kHz range, and there might not be much stuff to hear in those frequencies even in "hi-res" recordings, even for your dog, so there is not much point in worrying about it.

Yep

And even if a headphone says it goes down to 5hz, doesn't mean the output is usable (probably not). Likely rolled off a lot by then without much output relative to other frequencies. . Plus, below 20hz is bass you feel more than hear. I don't know why anyone cares about below 20hz response except with home theater systems for movie watching.

Then most music doesn't have bass below 30hz, so definitely not worth worrying about, IMO.

 

[blueangel2323]

You can't hear below 20hz or above 20khz anyways, so it doesn't matter.
 
You would feel a subwoofer playing 16hz even though you can't hear it, but headphones don't make vibrations strong enough for you to feel (and if they did they would blow your eardrums).
 
Also, asSleep Mode zZ said above, the frequency response of DACs and amps is usually measured at +/-0.1 db, while for headphones the spec is usually +/- 10 db!

 

[cel4145]

You can't hear below 20hz or above 20khz anyways, so it doesn't matter.

That's not true. People can hear below 20hz. However, it takes a lot of SPL relative to other frequencies, which is easy to see by looking at this extension of the Fletcher Munson curve



So most headphones will have a lot of trouble generating those tones at audible levels. That being said, I still maintain that I don't know why anyone would want to hear them. It adds to an audio experience through what you feel, not what you hear.