I agree with all dcstep has said. I don't believe that specifications will tell you anything about a headphone amp, how it sounds or if you will like it. The combination of headphones and amps is so critical and the synergy between the two is everything. I also am wrestling with trying to choose a headphone amp for my Senn 600s. I like the ASL tube amp I have now and want another amp for another room. I like the tubes but also want something different. My conclusion is that I have to buy a used amp and try it even if I have to sell it later. That way I don't lose too much money. Head=Fi is an alternative source of information and sales of used headphone amps. You may find an answer there.
Which headphone amp is technically superior? Help
I don't have the electronics accumen to figure out which of these two amps has better specifications. My headphones are Sennheiser HD600s.
The reason is that there are two amps at the same price with two different specs and I am trying to figure out which amp is objectively superior. I understand there are other factors such as component quality at work that determine which sounds better, but right now I need someone to explain the difference in the technical specs. Thanks!
AMP ONE
Power output 150mW/600ohms
Headphone connection>32 ohms
Output impedance 20ohms
Signal to noise 94dB ref. full output
Frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz/0,2dB (10Hz - 120kHz/-1dB)
THD 0,005%
Headphone jack 3-pole ¼" (6,3mm Ø ) phono socket
Power supply type Mains-fed outboard power supply
Output voltage 16V/500mA AC
Power consumption 16V/120mA AC
Dimension W x H x D 130 x 79 x 133mm
Weight 1.000g without power supply
AMP TWO
Power output 700mW/30ohms, 110mW/300ohms
Headphone connection > 30 ohms
Signal to noise 110dB (115dB - A weighted) at full output
Frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz/-0,03dB
THD (IMD) 0,003%/30ohms, 0,007%/300ohms
Gain 12dB
Headphone jacks 3-pole ¼" (6,3mm Ø) phono socket
Power supply type Mains-fed outboard power supply
Output voltage 16V/1.000mA AC
Power consumption 16V/230mA AC
Dimension W x H x D 103 x 72 x 151mm
Weight 1.080g without power supply
The reason is that there are two amps at the same price with two different specs and I am trying to figure out which amp is objectively superior. I understand there are other factors such as component quality at work that determine which sounds better, but right now I need someone to explain the difference in the technical specs. Thanks!
AMP ONE
Power output 150mW/600ohms
Headphone connection>32 ohms
Output impedance 20ohms
Signal to noise 94dB ref. full output
Frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz/0,2dB (10Hz - 120kHz/-1dB)
THD 0,005%
Headphone jack 3-pole ¼" (6,3mm Ø ) phono socket
Power supply type Mains-fed outboard power supply
Output voltage 16V/500mA AC
Power consumption 16V/120mA AC
Dimension W x H x D 130 x 79 x 133mm
Weight 1.000g without power supply
AMP TWO
Power output 700mW/30ohms, 110mW/300ohms
Headphone connection > 30 ohms
Signal to noise 110dB (115dB - A weighted) at full output
Frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz/-0,03dB
THD (IMD) 0,003%/30ohms, 0,007%/300ohms
Gain 12dB
Headphone jacks 3-pole ¼" (6,3mm Ø) phono socket
Power supply type Mains-fed outboard power supply
Output voltage 16V/1.000mA AC
Power consumption 16V/230mA AC
Dimension W x H x D 103 x 72 x 151mm
Weight 1.080g without power supply