Analytical table and recommendation for using headphones with different types of amplifiers based on the measured characteristics - Reference Audio Analyzer
⊗ Kennerton
⊗ PRO account
⊗ Sertification

News and Reviews Device measurement reports On-line comparison and selection services About RAA

Login Password
You are logged in as guest
Setting Register Forgot your password? En>>Ru


F.A.Q. / Headphones and Amps - interplay

Analytical table and recommendation for using headphones with different types of amplifiers based on the measured characteristics

About

For whom RAA made this: for those who is hard to understand graphs or/and for who want to see brief graph analysis in common words. RAA developed an algorithm to calculate the compatibility of sources and headphones. This table is the first step to create a simplified general report. We want to make two reports: first short simplified report for simple user and second report for a pro.

Such the algorithm became possible due to: From the idea of the table to the final implementation took about three years. And gradually the algorithm is being improved for modern products.

In this general table, we show the most common variations of sound sources and the field of headphones application.

The compatibility rating is similar to car analysis based on its ground clearance - on which road the car will move optimal without evaluating the class of the car. On a race car of Formula 1 is difficult to drive on a ground road. The same foolish idea to use caterpillar all-terrain vehicle on a highway.

The table allows to estimate the most complete opening of the potential of headphones while use with amplifiers of a similar class, but with different power parameters.

Analysis and recommendations for ASTRO Gaming A40 based on the measured characteristics
Sources
(to which the headphones will be connected) 		Areas of using headphones Sensitivity Impedance The type of acoustic design Total
113.30 dB/V SPL 62.22 ohm Semi-open  
Low-power sources -6dBV/15dB(mA):

a smartphone
a player
a tablet
 		Home or studio, where sound from the headphones does not bother anyone 5
★★★★★		5
★★★★★		3
★★★☆☆		4.3
★★★★☆
Office and home, where people should not hear the sound from the headphones 5
★★★★★		5
★★★★★		3
★★★☆☆		4.3
★★★★☆
Street with active traffic 5
★★★★★		4
★★★★☆		3
★★★☆☆		4.0
★★★★☆
Metro (subway), public transport 4
★★★★☆		3
★★★☆☆		3
★★★☆☆		3.3
★★★☆☆
Mid-power sources 6dBV/27dB(mA):
a computer with sound card
a Hi-Fi player
a portable amplifier
a mixer console
 		Home or studio, where sound from the headphones does not bother anyone 5
★★★★★		5
★★★★★		3
★★★☆☆		4.3
★★★★☆
Metro (subway), public transport 5
★★★★★		5
★★★★★		3
★★★☆☆		4.3
★★★★☆
Recording a voice or instrument in the studio 5
★★★★★		5
★★★★★		3
★★★☆☆		4.3
★★★★☆
Hi-power sources 18dBV:

a home system with a headphone amplifier
 		Home or studio, where sound from the headphones does not bother anyone 5
★★★★★		5
★★★★★		3
★★★☆☆		4.3
★★★★☆
Office and home, where people should not hear the sound from the headphones 5
★★★★★		5
★★★★★		3
★★★☆☆		4.3
★★★★☆

In the example below, the conditions for a low power source with an output level of -6.00 dBV, 15 dB(mA) (5.62 mA) under conditions of high ambient noise and the necessary noise insulation will be considered.



Optimum volume level

The combination of headphones and a source is ideal if it is possible to get the optimum volume level for listening to music.

The sensitivity parameters of the headphones and the power of the amplifier are not indicated to the musical signal. It is common that parameters are indicated to the sine. This gives distorted data while we calculate the sound pressure for music by the power of the amplifier and the sensitivity of the headphones.

In RAA we set a comfortable volume level and after determined, with which level it corresponds to the characteristics of headphones and amplifiers. At fixed values of the sound level meter, an average of 85-90 dB SPL resulted in the equivalent of 110 dB SPL, if we summarize the output voltage at the amplifier output with the sensitivity of the headphones.



Analysis of the sensitivity of headphones


The optimal volume level we determined for ideal conditions, when there is no outside noise. In reality, the situation is different and an amendment is made for each specific situation.

If the headphones is with noise cancellation, the level is reduced by 6 dB, and with a partial noise cancellation by 3 dB.

The surrounding situation is estimated by a factor from 0 to 2. Then it is added to the optimal level by multiplying the coefficient by 6 dB.

Optimal = SPLOptimal + Environment•6 - Noise cancellation

where
  • SPLOptimal = Optimal baseline 110 dB SPL
  • Environment – noise environment factor
  • Noise cancellation – amendment noise isolation headphones
Having received the value of the optimal level, we make an estimate of the capabilities of the source, based on its power parameters.

We can have two variants of poor compatibility: the source is too quiet or too loud.


For example, for headphones with partial noise insulation (semi-open type) in a noisy subway train environment, the optimal volume level will be:

Optimal = 110 dB SPL + 2•6 дБ – dB = 122 dB SPL


A source is too quiet

A source is too quiet and can not provide the required volume with specific headphones.

Calculate the difference between the source and the optimal level.

Delta = Sensitivity + Amp Voltage - Optimal
where
  • Sensitivity - Headphone sensitivity of voltage
  • Amp Voltage – Maximum voltage level in dBV
  • Optimal – Previously calculated optimum required level
Mark = 5 +[Delta/6]

For example, for headphones with a sensitivity of 113.30 dB/V SPL and a player with a level of -6 dBV will be:

Delta = 113.30 dB/V SPL + -6 dBV - 122 dB SPL = -14.70 dB

Thus, the maximum volume level differs from the desirable by -14.70 дБ.

Mark = 5-[ 14.70/6] = 5-[2.45] =5 -2 = 3

On a five-point scale, the difference by 6 dB decreases by one.



The source is too loud

Многие современные устройства используют цифровую регулировку громкости, и при выставлении малого уровня фоновый шум на выходе не убавляется и становится заметным на фоне воспроизводимой музыки. У устройств с аналоговым регулятором часто наблюдается разбалансировка громкости между правым и левым каналом из-за несовершенства типовых переменных резисторов, управляющий уровнем громкости.

Если полученная ранее Delta является положительной и не более 20 дБ, то оценка 5 по пятибалльной шкале. Свыше 20 дБ оценка уменьшается на единицу на каждые 6 дБ.

Оценка = 5-[(Delta – 20)/6]

К примеру, если бы Delta была равна 30 дБ, то оценка была бы равной 4.

Оценка = 5- [(30-20)/6] = 5- [10/6] = 5-[1.67] = 5-1 = 4


Analysis of the headphones impedance

When analyzing the headphones impedance, we take optimum volume level (Optimal, see above) and estimate the source according to the maximum current, without considering the voltage. If source give enough current or have reserve by current, the mark is 5 on a five-point scale. If the current is not sufficient, the estimate is reduced. In those cases where the current level is insufficient, the sound of the source becomes less quality.

First consider the required voltage level at the source.
dBV = Optimal - Sensitivity
where
  • Sensitivity - Headphone sensitivity of voltage
  • Optimal – Previously calculated optimum required level
In our example, this will be: 113.30 dB/V SPL - 122 dB SPL = 8.70 dBV

Convert voltage from dBV to V.

V = 108.70dBV/20 = 2.72 V rms (You can use on-line calculator)

Now consider the current
IOptimal = 1000•V/R
where
  • R – Resistance of headphones, in our example the resistance is 62.22 Ohm
  • V - Voltage in volts
IOptimal =1000* 2.72 В/ 62.22 Ом = 43.77 mA

We compare the current with the maximum for the source in dB. Suppose that we have a low-power smartphone with an output current of not more than 5.62 mA (when working is equivalent to class A)

The ratio of the currents will be:
Delta_I = 20•Log10(ISours/IOptimal) = 20•Log10(5.62 мА/43.77 mA) = -17.82 дБ

By analogy with voltage, we calculate the mark, where a decrease by 6 dB decreases mark by 1 star.

Mark = 5 -[Delta/6] = 5+[-17.82/6] = 5-[-2.97] = 5 - 2 = 3



Mark of noise isolation headphones

The mark of headphones noise isolation depends from external conditions and requirements to noise isolation. For example, for a cyclist on the street among machines, noise insulation is contraindicated. In the subway in a noisy environment, noise insulation is a must. In our example, headphones is semi-open and noise isolation is needed, thus the mark is 3

The final mark is the arithmetic mean of the three marks:
The final mark = (3 + 3 +3)/3 = 3.00

⊗ Kennerton
⊗ PRO account
⊗ Sertification

it is a translation from the Russian language. Original text in Russian page.

You can help us with the correct translation into English.

Select incorrect text and press Ctrl+Enter, forum, facebook and feedback
Thank You!


Comments

No comments for this page.


Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Register now or log in