EQUIPMENT PAIRING

Hybrid Tribrid IEM with Reference Portable DAP

Pairing analysis: power headroom, damping factor, output topology and signal path. Good match

Transducer

NameHybrid Tribrid IEM
TypeIem
Driverhybrid · 9 (DD)mm
Impedance18 Ω
Sensitivity106 dB/mW
Recommended drive20 mW

Device

NameReference Portable DAP
CategoryDap
TopologyClass A balanced (BTL)
Power @ 32Ω650 mW
Power @ 300Ω210 mW
Output impedance0.8 Ω

Analysis

  • Power headroom: ~650 mW available at 18Ω. Sufficient for the transducer's sensitivity.
  • Damping factor: 22.5:1. Above the 8:1 audibility threshold; bass response is well-controlled.
  • Direct termination: No direct connector match between transducer (pentaconn-ear) and device outputs (4-4mm-balanced, 3-5mm-trs). Use a balanced upgrade cable terminated to one of the device outputs.

Cable recommendation

If the transducer ships with a detachable cable (detachable), a balanced upgrade cable terminated to one of the device's outputs (4-4mm-balanced, 3-5mm-trs) gives you the most power and the cleanest signal path. See our balanced cable buyer guide.