It should it’s output impedance is comparable to a lot of transformer coupled amps. I think Schiit quote under 10 Ohms. Even higher end DHT amps like the DNA or the Eddie currents are only going to be somewhere between 3 and 8 Ohms. The transformer steps down the impedance by the square of the ratio, but you also have to count the impedance of the secondary winding which is going to be about 1 Ohm all on it’s own.
The Valhalla uses a White Cathode Follower on the output which uses 2 triodes instead of one, and feedback in the buffer to reduce the output impedance.
So the only real issue is going to be if it has enough power.
Unlike say a DarkVoice, or BHC where it’s a straight cathode follower so your in the 60+Ohm output impedance range.
The issue with OTL tube amps and planars is really just power and output impedance.
Ok so it’s early days (6 hours in!) but so far I’m exceptionally pleased with how the Valhalla is pairing with the HE1000s. Beautiful in fact. Retaining the detail, stage width while taking the edge of the treble peaks. V happy! I mainly got the HE1000s for classical (as it was the Clear’s blind spot imo) but using it for so much more. Valhalla seems great overall. It’s my first Schiit product. I would say - flying the flag for US build quality here - the over build and craftsmanship is exceptional. Built like a tank - and it’s only 250 bucks. So far a big thumbs up.
What’s the difference between Class A and Class AB in headphone amps if both are made well.
Benchmarks DAC3 headphone amp is class AB and I doubt they have distortion.
But I’ve heard there is still some crossover distortion no matter what in class AB?
Jumping in with a suggestion (as my first post) for a DAC/headphone amp combo I absolutely love. It might actually save you some money, as I’ve seen them going for pretty reasonable prices on forums and eBay. I’m talking about the Musical Fidelity M1 HPA and M1 DAC***.
The M1 DAC is an excellent device with a great chip inside, and when paired with the M1 HPA, a pure Class A amp, it delivers a slightly warmer sound with impressive detail. It has a wide soundstage, rock-solid bass control, and handles complex pieces effortlessly. It can drive almost any headphone with ease. Whether I’m listening to classical music, acoustic guitar/folk, or aggressive drum and bass (like old-school Dillinja), it sounds incredible—especially with a pair of LCD-2C headphones (borrowed for now, but I might get them!).
In my humble opinion, what makes a headphone amplifier great is its ability to give music body and dynamics, making it believable and silky while maintaining control, especially in the lower bass regions. I’d always prefer a device with plenty of power overhead rather than one with too little. Those tiny amps just can’t compare—just like in stereo/speaker setups.
Technically, Class A means the transistors are conducting through the whole cycle (so, “conduction angle” is 360 degrees). Class B conduction angle is 180 degrees. Class AB is anything in-between (but practically, the conduction angle is usually less than 200 degrees).
All devices have distortion, whether it’s measurable by an APx555 or not. Any well-made amp will have vastly less distortion than any speaker or headphone ever produced.
The difference between Class B and class AB is the later’s 0 is biased into one half of the amplifier, so your class A for voltages below whatever that bias is. For headphones and an amp with reasonable bias, you might never be outside of class A operation at normal listening levels.
As for there always being some crossover distortion in the class B range, probably, but good class B and class AB amps it’ll be minimal.
So what is the difference I’m hearing in let’s say the Benchmark DAC3 Headphone amp where I felt it wasn’t as open as the Ifi Zen Can Sig. But the Benchmark did have a bit more punch.
and why the Schiit Milgard sounded flat and unnatural and had a narrow soundstage? ( all of these in min amounts btw, it’s a pretty good amp, and the benchmark is a great headamp)
Ultimately, what’s in your head is all that really matters. The answers to why a particular person prefers a particular amp with a few particular headphones is not likely to be found in datasheets.
If you had just said you preferred the iFi to the Benchmark and the Schiit, I would have guessed that you preferred the bit of warmth that iFi products are considered to have by many. It’s why @Lothar_Wolf has his “use iFi with Chi-Fi” rule of thumb (and he has heard lots more combinations of gear than I ever will approach). It could be that what others call “warmth” appears to you as open-ness. Or it could be something completely different.
I do think the answer is in your preferences, and not something like topology or operating class (hell, the AHB2 is class H!).
Well actually lol, I think the Ifi is brighter than the Benchmark and Schiit. The Benchmark being the warmer of the two.
Sheesh. So right there I’m off or your off. Lol
I’m just poking fun.
I get it and that’s the frustration. Speaker amps seem so so much easier to me.
A headphone amp all of a sudden has to perform room duties and create a space illusion. Who knows what does that. Or if it even exists and is just confirmation bias.
So yeah, what I like about the Ifi is how it’s open sounding ( and that means a touch brighter) and has a naturalness to it. Whatever that means.
I guess I am biased from guitar amps which in Class A tend to sound a bit brighter and more open, than class AB which have a bit more punch in the low end.
Amps sound different, what matters is what you like.
Sometimes the differences are clear in measurements, others it isn’t.
Bear in mind you can build an amp with a single transistor, or you can use hundreds.
BJT’s don’t amplify like FET’s and FET’s don’t amplify like tubes, transformers, capacitors and even resistors have an impact on the overall sound.
I’ve built the same amp circuit with different components and while they have a lot in common, have very similar measurements (at least the ones I do) they don’t sound the same. Comparing the monoprice versions the Cavalli amps to the originals is an extreme example, they are reminiscent of the originals, but very different.
Figure out what you like and listen to some options.
Then you haven’t gone far enough down that particular rabbit hole.
That’s super interesting.
I’m assuming you purposely built the same amp with different components to see if it sounded different.
Yeah I guess it’s difficult to quantify sound subjectively with measurements we currently have.
I don´t have a graph measurment to show, but there are plenty of reviews of it.
Some basic specs below.
Specifications
Type: Stereo headphone amplifier with preamplifier
THD (+noise): less than .008% (10 Hz to 20k Hz)
SNR: More than 109dB “A” weighted
Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 75k Hz (-3dB)
Inputs: Line level RCA/phono
USB type B connector for computer/PDA
Dimensions: 8.75" x 4" x 11.75" (WxHxD)
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Ooh, a not often seen feature is that you can A/B testing headphones since it got dual outputs, no problem powering 2 x sennheiser 800s at the same time
The newer headphone amp that replaces the M1 HPA is the MX-HPA, I can´t say I heard much improvments and it sounded just as great as the M1 but for a lot more money. Only reason to get the newer one is if you want to go balanced all the way.
I’d say so. Won’t make the attepmpt. I don’t think quantifying is subjective, but objective.
That’s the essense of the trap.
You can measure some of what you hear.
What you feel and how you react isn’t quantifiable.
This is true . We have a lot more tools nowadays then ever before to make a good sounding headphone amp. Or whatever piece of audio gear.
Still have some ways to go
It’s just frustrating , and I’m sure many share that with me.
You get a headamp, that looks good. Measures well, nothing seems wrong, parts are good , no oddball design. And you get it and it doesn’t sound as good as something you have . And you can’t figure out what it is you have which is making that diff.
