Massdrop x Grace Design m9XX DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x Grace Design m9XX DAC/Amp

Audiophile

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AdamJ

Oct 25, 2015

Is higher output power on a headphone amp better? Currently, I'm using a class-A amplifier to power my Sennheiser HD 800's (300Ω headphones). This amplifier I'm using has Maximum Power @ 300 Ω = 380mW RMS per channel. The m9XX outputs 79-85 mW @ 300 Ω. According to these specs, will my current class-A amplifier be a better match for my HD 800's than the m9XX, due to the higher output power @ 300Ω (380mW vs 85mW)? Or is the answer to this question more complicated than just looking at specifications and numbers? If anyone can answer this I would GREATLY appreciate it!

Oct 25, 2015

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micahjrose

126

Oct 25, 2015

AdamJHD800s are easy to drive, but picky on amp for best sound. 85mW will definitely drive the HD800, whether it sounds as good as HD800 can sound is an entirely different question. I'm among those who isn't a huge fan of the stock HD800. My favourite pairing for the stock HD800 is the Objective/O2 dac/amp, which isn't terribly powerful, but tames down some of the strident treble and tightens the bass a bit.

Oct 25, 2015

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Michael_Grace

432

Grace Design

Oct 25, 2015

micahjroseAdamJ, Like micahjrose said, the m9XX will not have any trouble powering the HD800. In USB buss power mode the m9XX should drive the HD800s to approximately 116dB SPL (which would not be good for your ears). However, having headroom to faithfully reproduce transients is what is important there. HD800s are pretty easy to drive. But they are very revealing revealing so the the DAC/amp combination needs to be well sorted out. I use the HD800s (among others) as reference phones when designing amp circuits. I think you will find the m9XX very well suited for them! Cheers, Michael

Oct 25, 2015