What is the best headphone resistance?

With the rapid development of information and communication technologies, it is increasingly possible to see a person with headphones in the subway, on the street, at home. If initially they were used for radio communication, then later the audio device became a mass means of information consumption. To choose the most suitable headset for your smartphone or tablet, the user needs to understand the main characteristics of the device. Before we consider what and how the resistance in the headphones affects, we will understand what impedance is. Knowing this information, you can extend the life of the equipment.

What does impedance mean?

Headphone impedance gives input resistance. The performance and technical properties of portable audio listening devices depend on this characteristic. To find out how much technology requires an amount of energy to ensure good sound, this parameter is indicated in the passport of portable devices.

The unit of measurement of the electrical resistance of a conductive element - Ohms.

For pocket audio players, modern smartphones are suitable headphones with a nominal impedance of 16-40 ohms. This value provides a high sounding device with a low level of outgoing signals. When connected to a headset with standard sound cards using special amplifiers choose audio device with high impedance parameters - 120-150 ohms. Devices with high resistance to electrical resistance are suitable for professionals who work on special equipment with an increased level of outgoing voltage.

Types of equipment depending on the resistance values

In the multimedia equipment market, manufacturers offer a wide range of different devices with different technical characteristics: sensitivity, impedance, frequency range.Based on what kind of headphones give resistance, there are two types of equipment: high-impedance and low-impedance devices. For full-size and intra-channel headsets, the separation boundary parameters are different.

1. Low impedance headset - devices whose impedance for intra-channel devices is not more than 32 Ohms, for full-sized devices - not more than 100 Ohms.
2. High resistance devices - which impedance for intra channel devices more than 32 Ohms. For full-size, the value should be more than 100 ohms.

Impedance curve for different types of devices

Consider what information gives a graph of the dependence of the frequency in the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz on the resistance for different types of devices.

1. Dynamic full-size headset. For this type of technique, the impedance curve is not rectilinear, but with small elevation sites at high and low frequencies. If the resistance for dynamic headphones is 32 ohms, in reality, at certain frequencies, the multimeter can show values ​​twice or three times higher.
   

2. Intra channel devices. For this headset on the graph at standard values ​​(16, 24, 32 Ohms) deviations are not detected.The impedance curve on the graph for this type of headphone is a horizontal straight line.
   

3. Orthodynamic and isodynamic instrumentation (for example, HiFiMan, Fostex, Oppo) have a straight impedance line. However, some models in local areas at ultrahigh frequencies have some changes.
   
4. Intra channel reinforcing set. For most single-driver devices at high frequencies, the impedance curve increases, so the headset gives a “clear sound” without distortion.
   
5. Multi-Driver & Hybrid Headphones. The impedance curve in these headphones at values ​​above 500 Hz behaves unpredictably - periodically seeking up or down. The drawdown of real resistance is reduced to 4 ohms with the declared 100-ohm at 1 kHz.
   

Based on the impedance curves, it is clear that the stated value in the headset is different from the real indicators.

Optimal impedance values ​​for use with various devices

To purchase instruments with a good range of sound reproduction, it is necessary to consider the resistance values. The sensitivity of devices with high resistance is less than that of low-resistance models. Therefore, the battery life of technical devices when using headphones with different impedances does not match. Consider the optimal values ​​of the level of consumed electrical voltage for various devices.

1. Smartphone. Nominal impedance for better sound headphones fit low impedance (for example, 22 ohms). In this case, the device, in addition to good sound, will consume more current. In order to play music on a smartphone longer, choose the 32-ohm model. When using devices with iPhone, models with standard frequency sound ranges of 22-32 ohms are suitable. Headphones-monitors are impractical to use without auxiliary accessories: a portable amplifier, an audio player with a powerful sound card.
2. Player. The most optimal headphone impedance for a standard device is 16 ohms. If audio players have a more powerful output (Hidisz or iHiFi), which provides a voltage level of more than 200 mV, choose less sensitive devices with an impedance of 32 Ohms. Such devices reduce current consumption and increase battery life.

When choosing listening technology, the following points are taken into account:

• in reality, single-driver reinforcement devices (Grado GR10, various Klipsh, Etymotic models) have an average resistance higher, so audio players and smartphones work with them long time without recharging;
• Multi-driver dynamic and reinforcement technology has a lower average resistance, so smartphones or players function without recharging for a short time.

Portable amplifier for optimum sound

High-impedance headphones are used not only by professional musicians, but also by simple music lovers. To listen to music with sufficient volume, you need to coordinate the power of the speakers with the device. In this case, all frequencies are reproduced, and the sound quality is reproduced. A portable headphone amplifier helps solve this problem — it provides high fidelity sound reproduction.

The principle of operation of the amplifier is the following: due to the high impedance value in the headphones, the device gives less current, which prevents frequency distortion individual cascades. High impedance headset has a uniform amplitude-frequency characteristics due to the use of an amplifier.

In order to avoid deterioration in the quality of the headphones and their rapid wear when buying equipment, pay attention to the impedance. Which one is better depends on the devices with which they will interact. This parameter must match the audio model and listening device. Resistance for different types of headphones affects the sound quality and ensuring stable operation of the audio device.