Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Masaraksh
39
Dec 5, 2019
bookmark_border
Do standalone receivers provide enough power to drive HD6XX?
Dec 5, 2019
jgillingham
177
Dec 5, 2019
bookmark_border
MasarakshI tried this with a Yamaha stereo receiver (RX-777, 100 Watts per channel) made in the early 2000s. It has more than enough power.
Dec 5, 2019
Masaraksh
39
Dec 5, 2019
bookmark_border
jgillinghamDid you match the specs or verified by testing? 100w per channel that you mentioned are likely for speakers not headphone output. I can't locate headphone output specs for any of my receivers from 80s/early 90s.
(Edited)
Dec 5, 2019
Masaraksh
39
Dec 5, 2019
bookmark_border
MasarakshI used HD6XX with Fiio x3 mk III, they don't sound underpowered, actually sound really-really good. However, according to the specs, 150Ohm impedance should be the upper limit. Is there an easy way to confirm they are getting enough power?
Dec 5, 2019
jgillingham
177
Dec 5, 2019
bookmark_border
MasarakshThe 100 W spec is the speaker output power into 8 Ohms according to Yamaha's specs, as you said. The headphone jack is connected to the main amp speaker outputs through 470 Ohm resistors. This is typical for old stereo receivers and integrated amps. The HD6XX headphone impedance is 300 Ohms, so I calculated that the maximum power output into the headphones is 400 mW. I have no way to measure this, but my ears tell me that it's very loud. Of course your receiver may be different, but I think there is a good chance that it will be loud enough
Dec 5, 2019
Masaraksh
39
Dec 5, 2019
bookmark_border
jgillinghamThanks! It is indeed loud enough. My main concern is missing on a " good stuff" that some reviews claim could happen despite being loud enough, but you are right, it is highly unlikely based in your calculations.
Dec 5, 2019
jgillingham
177
Dec 5, 2019
bookmark_border
MasarakshThe X3 Mark III specs on Fiio's website specify a maximum output of at least 6.5 Vpp and 15 mW into 300 Ohms. That will give a maximum calculated sound pressure level of 109.5 dB from the HD6XX. The only way to get a more accurate result would be to measure it. I think they recommend 150 Ohms maximum because 109.5 dB may not be enough for headbangers, but it's enough for me.
Dec 5, 2019
Masaraksh
39
Dec 6, 2019
bookmark_border
jgillinghamNice. Thanks for your help! I was already looking to upgrade my DAP, that I might not need anymore, as I am listening to x3 at approx 50% volume.
Dec 6, 2019
Masaraksh
39
Dec 7, 2019
bookmark_border
jgillinghamI just found schematic for my Technics SU-G50 receiver, it has 2W, 330 Ohm for the headphones jack. How do I calculate the rest of the applicable values, or it means 2000mW is available?
Dec 7, 2019
jgillingham
177
Dec 8, 2019
bookmark_border
Masaraksh
  1. Find the output power and speaker impedance of the receiver; I looked it up. It's 110 Watts into 8 ohms.
  2. Calculate output voltage of receiver: Vo = sqrt(110 W x 8 ohms) = 29.7 V
  3. The resistor in series with the phone jack is Rs = 330 ohm, and the headphone impedance is Rp = 300 ohm. With these we can calculate the voltage driving the headphones: Vp = Vo x Rp/(Ro + Rp) = 29.7 V x (300 ohm)/(330 ohm + 300 ohm) = 14.1 V
  4. The power into the headphones is Pp = Vp x Vp / Rp = 14.1 V x 14.1 V / 300 ohm = 663 mW
The 2 Watt rating of the 330 ohm resistor isn't the power driving the headphone; it is simply the maximum power the resistor can handle without damage.
Dec 8, 2019
Masaraksh
39
Dec 8, 2019
bookmark_border
jgillinghamThank you very much! Now I will be able to calculate power for my other receivers too!
Dec 8, 2019
nofacemonster
20
Jul 31, 2020
bookmark_border
MasarakshI have tried Marantz SR-73, Some 80's Yamaha Receiver, on my HD-6XX and nothing much. Then 90's Sansui AU-X111 and meh...! its nothing much either. Then my good friend gifted me a 1972 Sansui 310 (A beautiful receiver) and this is where the story starts. Sansui 310 simply blew away everything I have tried on my HD-6XX, sound is so warm and super loud for HD-6XX. it is almost or even better than my dac amp combo FX Audio DAC-X6 and comes up to the level of LD MK2 for sure when it comes to sound quality. If you get your hands on a old Sansui like this one and owns a HD-6XX, buy it and you'll love it. Especially if you like listening to Stereo FM Broadcasts.
Jul 31, 2020
View Full Discussion
Related Posts
Trending Posts in Audiophile