EQUIPMENT PAIRING
Reference Open-Back Planar with Reference Portable DAP
Pairing analysis: power headroom, damping factor, output topology and signal path. Good match
Transducer
| Name | Reference Open-Back Planar |
|---|---|
| Type | Open Back Headphone |
| Driver | planar-magnetic · 97mm |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB/mW |
| Recommended drive | 500 mW |
Device
| Name | Reference Portable DAP |
|---|---|
| Category | Dap |
| Topology | Class A balanced (BTL) |
| Power @ 32Ω | 650 mW |
| Power @ 300Ω | 210 mW |
| Output impedance | 0.8 Ω |
Analysis
- Power headroom: ~650 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, 3-5mm-trs) gives you the most power and the cleanest signal path. See our balanced cable buyer guide.