EQUIPMENT PAIRING
Reference Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphone — Studio Flagship with Hybrid Tube-Input / Solid-State-Output Headphone Amp
Pairing analysis: power headroom, damping factor, output topology and signal path. Good match
Transducer
| Name | Reference Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphone — Studio Flagship |
|---|---|
| Type | Open Back Headphone |
| Driver | planar-magnetic · 97mm |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW |
| Recommended drive | 500 mW |
Device
| Name | Hybrid Tube-Input / Solid-State-Output Headphone Amp |
|---|---|
| Category | Headphone Amp |
| Topology | Hybrid: 12AU7 tube driver + MOSFET output |
| Power @ 32Ω | 2800 mW |
| Power @ 300Ω | 900 mW |
| Output impedance | 0.8 Ω |
Analysis
- Power headroom: ~2800 mW available at 32Ω. Sufficient for the transducer's sensitivity.
- Damping factor: 40:1. Above the 8:1 audibility threshold; bass response is well-controlled.
- Direct termination: Device offers a matching 4-4mm-balanced output jack — no adapter required.
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, 6-35mm-trs) gives you the most power and the cleanest signal path. See our balanced cable buyer guide.