EQUIPMENT PAIRING
Classic 300Ω Dynamic Headphone with OTL Tube Headphone Amplifier
Pairing analysis: power headroom, damping factor, output topology and signal path. Marginal damping factor
Transducer
| Name | Classic 300Ω Dynamic Headphone |
|---|---|
| Type | Open Back Headphone |
| Driver | dynamic · 40mm |
| Impedance | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW |
| Recommended drive | 200 mW |
Device
| Name | OTL Tube Headphone Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Category | Headphone Amp |
| Topology | OTL tube (6N6P/6N1P) |
| Power @ 32Ω | 120 mW |
| Power @ 300Ω | 1200 mW |
| Output impedance | 65 Ω |
Analysis
- Power headroom: ~1200 mW available at 300Ω. Sufficient for the transducer's sensitivity.
- Damping factor: 4.6:1. Below the 8:1 threshold; expect some bass bloom and reduced damping on low frequencies.
- Direct termination: No direct connector match between transducer (xlr4-balanced) and device outputs (6-35mm-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 (6-35mm-trs) gives you the most power and the cleanest signal path. See our balanced cable buyer guide.