Decisions decisions

[Filterlab]

I did some headphone auditioning this week and I can happily say that my absolute favourites (amongst the ones I auditioned) are the Beyerdynamic DT880s which frankly destroyed the competition. So I discovered that if the headphones are ordered directly from BD themselves, by utilising the 'Manufaktur' process one can customise a pair as required - this includes the expected stuff like colours, materials and personal text.

However, with the funky fun stuff aside (and boy oh boy have I got a spanking design saved!), there remains a choice of impedance. The options are 32ohms, 250ohms and 600ohms. Clearly the 32ohms version is intended for portable music players and not really heavy enough going for audiophile use. So the choice is between 250ohms and 600ohms versions, BD claim that the 600ohms version are the ultimate audiophile choice but a lot headphone amplifiers claim not to drive headphones that demand current that high. Am I going to run into problems with over heating headphone amps or will I be okay providing I get one with a lot of clout, the Heed Canamp being a prime example?

What would you go, 250 or 600?

[Mike]

So the choice is between 250ohms and 600ohms versions, BD claim that the 600ohms version are the ultimate audiophile choice but a lot headphone amplifiers claim not to drive headphones that demand current that high. Am I going to run into problems with over heating headphone amps or will I be okay providing I get one with a lot of clout, the Heed Canamp being a prime example?

What would you go, 250 or 600?

Eh?... doesn't make sense according to Ohms law! Current will go down as impedance goes up.

Whichever you go for just make sure you match impedance's as much as possible. Matched impedance = maximum power transfer, and other beneficial stuff.

[Filterlab]

Well that's the crux of my questioning, I've heard of amplifiers having delivery stability problems at low impedances, but high impedances - surely that shouldn't matter? Some headphone amplifier spec sheets state a maximum headphone impedance limit, usually less than 600 but on occasion 600 exactly. Anyway, I'll look to match impedance as much as possible whatever I choose.

[Marco]

As fun as this is, chaps, can I move it to our headphones section (Artist's Palette)?

I know it's rather anal, but I like all the topics posted in their relevant sections

Marco.

[Filterlab]

Do we have a headphones section? Why wasn't I informed?

[StanleyB]

32 for sharp bass, 250 for a warmer sound, 600 if you are going to plug it into a phono output.

[Marco]

LOL, sorry Guv. I'd incorporated it into 'Artist's Palette' a while ago, so can we move this and "Bonce Cans" in there?

If that's ok I might even offer some useful advice

Marco.

[Mike]

I'm sure you don't want me to tell you where to 'stick it'!

[Filterlab]

32 for sharp bass, 250 for a warmer sound, 600 if you are going to plug it into a phono output.

Cheers Stan. What's does the sound type lean towards for the 600?

[Filterlab]

And yes, it'll be going on a phono output, actually an XLR output if I'm honest.