this post was submitted on 19 Nov 2023
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Headphones
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Nothing should change the sound. DACs job is to covert to Analog. The amps only job is to amplify. Both need to be low THD components. The amp should have more than enough power to drive the speakers to their max without being over-driven itself to the point it produces distortion that can be heard. So if the HDs require 500mw RMS and the amp puts out 1000mw with 1% THD. The HDs would only need half of the amps power with less than 1% THD. Should be nice clean power. Also the resistance load on the amp needs to be that rating. If you have 300 ohm headphones. The resistance would be to high for the amp to make half the power needed to drive the speakers to max. The amp would likely be driven past 1% THD. Start adding distortion and doesn't have enough juice to support bass.
This is basically how any size amp and speakers work. Headphones aren't special.
There seems to be more more to it than that. Dacs can have different implementations. For example, the same two dac chips can be set up to use different rolloffs, levels of the 2nd and 3rd harmonics, and dithering amounts, and some level of distortion can be allowed intentionally to further distinguish the sound. Some dacs give you access to these settings yourself.
They can be whatever they need. So long as the hardware that supports the DAC chip. Isn't a complete pile of junk.
Also have to remember that electronic parts are sold based on their production quality. A perfect DAC chip isn't going in a $50 POS Chinese made DAC. They get the ones from the trash cans. The good chips go to Emotiva and Meridian etc. The premium brands.
LOL. Emotiva isn't exactly known for low noise or stellar performance, mate.
I was trying to think of a higher end company. 1st one that popped in my head.