Headphones as an ultimate reference

[jyoung070848]

Since headphones have fewer problems with distortion, or perhaps a different distortion profile, has anyone tried using headphones to listen to the distortion of a power amp using a jig of some sort to match level and impedance?

James

[moschfet]

Yes, about 8 ohms (6.8 ohms and 1 ohm resistor in series) as load resistance. parallel to the resistance of 1 Ohm the Headphone(300 ohm).

So I can hear more than over my speakers.

[Telstar]

Yes, phones like stax 007 are a good reference.

[Pano]

Sure, I've done it plenty. A resistor bridge will work fine for level match, but of course is a much easier load for the amp to drive than a real speaker. That may or may not make a difference in what you are listening for.

[pinkmouse]

Of course you can, but people frequently misunderstand what a reference is. It can sound good or bad, as long as you understand exactly what it does so you can use it as an absolute comparison.

[Antoinel]

Originally Posted by jyoung070848

Since headphones have fewer problems with distortion, or perhaps a different distortion profile, has anyone tried using headphones to listen to the distortion of a power amp using a jig of some sort to match level and impedance?

James

Please see the latest post on the thread "Does anyone make their own headphones?". I have a bicycle helmet to which is bolted [symetrically] a pair of wideband loudspeaker [small] drivers. Make your own headphones with drivers that you believe are the best.

[nowhere]

Originally Posted by Antoinel

... I have a bicycle helmet to which is bolted [symetrically] a pair of wideband loudspeaker [small] drivers. Make your own headphones with drivers that you believe are the best.

Requirements for headphone transducers are quite different from requirements to transducers to be used in boxed speakers to be listened to in a room.

[qusp]

… and they have very different requirements from an amp. I find it a bit strange that people on a diy site that would normally strive for good performance would use a simple resistive divider and expect accuracy. particularly when headphone amps can be such simple circuits with very few active components

[Antoinel]

Originally Posted by nowhere

Requirements for headphone transducers are quite different from requirements to transducers to be used in boxed speakers to be listened to in a room.

I fully agree with you. Still; one common denominator between headphones and transducers must be the accurate and precise reproduction of music. How does a headphone maker determine it to be a Reference? I see the meaning of Reference in an Atomic Clock [cut and dry]; but not readily [hear it] with headphones or boxed speakers due to the subjectivity of music appreciation and interpretation; too many variables [and people] at play.

[nowhere]

Originally Posted by Antoinel

I fully agree with you. Still; one common denominator between headphones and transducers must be the accurate and precise reproduction of music. How does a headphone maker determine it to be a Reference? I see the meaning of Reference in an Atomic Clock [cut and dry]; but not readily [hear it] with headphones or boxed speakers due to the subjectivity of music appreciation and interpretation; too many variables [and people] at play.

My point is that boxed loudspeakers work in a room - almost free space, while, say, in circumaural headphones the transducers work in a small cavity.

In order to produce constant as a function of frequency sound pressure transducers for headphones and transducers for speakers must be different.