Audio Kontrol 1 and headphones 120 OHM

Anatoliy

Greetings,

I'm new to all that sound engineering thing so I don't even know the proper terms for asking my question. I have Audio Kontrol 1, I don't have monitors, I do have headphones Superlux HD-666 120 OHM. My problem is that it gives "rich" sound only when I make it loud (close to level where it's almost unpleasant for years). Is it possible that I need headphones 32 OHM otherwise I will become deaf very soon? Or those OHMs doesn't make change in that scenario? I kinda understand that louder sound will be "richier" in any speaker, but still concerned - is it possible that Audio Kontrol 1 is not powerful enough? Or it has enough of "power" to properly work with 120 OHM headphones. Please advise.

mykejb

The output of +4.2dBu will stay exactly the same regardless of the impedance of the headphones. Higher impedance headphones will be quieter at the same output level as the current will be lower. Having said that, if the headphones are loud enough then they’re probably going to be fine. A external headphone amp would help, but let’s be honest, you have a $35 pair of headphones so expect a little distortion and lack of clarity.

A bit of advice - don’t overthink things, it’s too easy when you’re starting to get drawn into specs and performance charts and different reviewers saying different things, not to mention conflicting advice you’ll get from forums. I’d suggest going with what you have until you know what you need to upgrade and what upgrades give you the best bang for your buck.