Zone3799 Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 Hi everyone , after an opinion whether a Fiio A3 portable amp will be ok to power a set of Sennheiser Hd700's ? Already have the amp and hoping I don't need another for the moment ! Thanks in advance ...
mbz Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 The HD700's are listed as 150ohms, the Fiio A3 has a driveability (?) of 16 to 150ohms so it's safe to connect the HD700 to the A3, I wouldn't expect it to be real loud though the HD700's have a sensitivity of 105dB. Try it, let us know how it went...
mbz Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 29 minutes ago, Decky said: No. I'd be interested in your reasoning. Amp manufacture specs show 150ohm load falls in the recommended range. Share your wisdome...
betty boop Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 not sure on wisdom here... but i did find the musical fidelity x-can v3 made a perfect match for hd700 senns
davewantsmoore Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 2 hours ago, mbz said: I'd be interested in your reasoning. Amp manufacture specs show 150ohm load falls in the recommended range. Share your wisdome... The published specs (are unclear, but) imply the amp will not deliver much power into 150ohm.... It probably won't get loud enough. 1
Decky Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 2 hours ago, mbz said: I'd be interested in your reasoning. Amp manufacture specs show 150ohm load falls in the recommended range. Share your wisdome... Do not get it too seriously - a general wisdom is that HD800 and 850 need a lot of power, mainly because of their high impedance but also to get the best out the drivers (being known for rather enclosed presentation). The HD700 was supposed to be more amp friendly but it still needs a decent amp, since it shares a similar design philosophy and drivers. I used Fiio amps myself and they are great - but within their limits. I am guessing that you might miss-judge the cans because of the amp. Fiio makes good portable gear but if your listening arrangements are more fixed - invest a bit more money in a more powerful amp. 2
betty boop Posted December 20, 2019 Posted December 20, 2019 @Zone3799 I have owned the hd700 also hd800 and models below in hd580s, hd600 and hd650. Currently own hd800s. Don’t underestimate the hd700 it’s not a budget phone in quality I’d suggest it’s closer to hd800 use a good amp. As mentioned a tried tested combo is xcanv3 I know few who have used with the hd700 and headphones above and below in range. I used with hd800 as well these do come available, eg one below being sold on consignment there, https://simplyhifi.com.au/product/musical-fidelity-x-can-v3-headphone-amplifier-used-250/ I remember one coming up here too, though unsure if sold
Zone3799 Posted December 21, 2019 Author Posted December 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Decky said: Do not get it too seriously - a general wisdom is that HD800 and 850 need a lot of power, mainly because of their high impedance but also to get the best out the drivers (being known for rather enclosed presentation). The HD700 was supposed to be more amp friendly but it still needs a decent amp, since it shares a similar design philosophy and drivers. I used Fiio amps myself and they are great - but within their limits. I am guessing that you might miss-judge the cans because of the amp. Fiio makes good portable gear but if your listening arrangements are more fixed - invest a bit more money in a more powerful amp. Listening arrangements are budget limited ! The Sennheisers have come up for less than half price so thought best grab them 1st .. I'm only just getting into this side of audio so will get there , appreciate your input rgds Zone !
Zone3799 Posted December 21, 2019 Author Posted December 21, 2019 13 hours ago, mbz said: The HD700's are listed as 150ohms, the Fiio A3 has a driveability (?) of 16 to 150ohms so it's safe to connect the HD700 to the A3, I wouldn't expect it to be real loud though the HD700's have a sensitivity of 105dB. Try it, let us know how it went... See below response , bit by bit , cheers ..
Zone3799 Posted December 21, 2019 Author Posted December 21, 2019 1 hour ago, betty boop said: @Zone3799 I have owned the hd700 also hd800 and models below in hd580s, hd600 and hd650. Currently own hd800s. Don’t underestimate the hd700 it’s not a budget phone in quality I’d suggest it’s closer to hd800 use a good amp. As mentioned a tried tested combo is xcanv3 I know few who have used with the hd700 and headphones above and below in range. I used with hd800 as well these do come available, eg one below being sold on consignment there, https://simplyhifi.com.au/product/musical-fidelity-x-can-v3-headphone-amplifier-used-250/ I remember one coming up here too, though unsure if sold Thanks , will keep an eye or two open ! 1
Zone3799 Posted December 23, 2019 Author Posted December 23, 2019 On 20/12/2019 at 10:15 PM, mbz said: The HD700's are listed as 150ohms, the Fiio A3 has a driveability (?) of 16 to 150ohms so it's safe to connect the HD700 to the A3, I wouldn't expect it to be real loud though the HD700's have a sensitivity of 105dB. Try it, let us know how it went... Will let you know how it all goes ...
Zone3799 Posted December 28, 2019 Author Posted December 28, 2019 On 20/12/2019 at 10:15 PM, mbz said: The HD700's are listed as 150ohms, the Fiio A3 has a driveability (?) of 16 to 150ohms so it's safe to connect the HD700 to the A3, I wouldn't expect it to be real loud though the HD700's have a sensitivity of 105dB. Try it, let us know how it went... Well it works but thinking the fiio A3 is probably best used for my earphones !
Zone3799 Posted December 28, 2019 Author Posted December 28, 2019 On 21/12/2019 at 10:17 AM, Decky said: Do not get it too seriously - a general wisdom is that HD800 and 850 need a lot of power, mainly because of their high impedance but also to get the best out the drivers (being known for rather enclosed presentation). The HD700 was supposed to be more amp friendly but it still needs a decent amp, since it shares a similar design philosophy and drivers. I used Fiio amps myself and they are great - but within their limits. I am guessing that you might miss-judge the cans because of the amp. Fiio makes good portable gear but if your listening arrangements are more fixed - invest a bit more money in a more powerful amp. Agree , it does not work very well , not much headroom ...
Zone3799 Posted December 31, 2019 Author Posted December 31, 2019 On 21/12/2019 at 10:17 AM, Decky said: Do not get it too seriously - a general wisdom is that HD800 and 850 need a lot of power, mainly because of their high impedance but also to get the best out the drivers (being known for rather enclosed presentation). The HD700 was supposed to be more amp friendly but it still needs a decent amp, since it shares a similar design philosophy and drivers. I used Fiio amps myself and they are great - but within their limits. I am guessing that you might miss-judge the cans because of the amp. Fiio makes good portable gear but if your listening arrangements are more fixed - invest a bit more money in a more powerful amp. Agree , it does not work very well , not much headroom ...
Zone3799 Posted December 31, 2019 Author Posted December 31, 2019 Ok , so have been listening through an ap60 to the fiio A3 with the Sennheisers .. There is plenty of volume but severley lacking in bottom end , is this usually an issue with a mismatch in the power required hence the diff between a decent headphone amp ? I have nothing to compare my setup with so I'm second guessing my comments .. My final audio Vi earphones sound fantastic with this setup ! Anyone north of melb up the Hume here that can demo a half decent amp for me ??? All other comments welcome as usual , all the best to everyone for 2020 !
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