Which headphones do you have and ACTUALLY use?

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That’s impressive! Which ones are your favourites?

What else do you collect, besides bass guitars, gear, headphones and apparently also different species of succulent plants?

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Not many people know this, but @Al1885 is also an avid gnome collector … and even dresses up properly when he spends time in his gnome shed :slight_smile:

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Yeah that’s a good point that I’d forgotten about.

Right now I have a Scarlett Solo interface. On their website it says max output is 32mW into 33Ω and 22mW into 300Ω. Would that work to power the headphones or would I need a specific headphone amp? I have no idea what the difference between the 32mW and 22mW is.

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Perplexity:

Can the presonus quantum es4 drive a 300 ohm headphone?

The PreSonus Quantum ES-4 can drive 300 Ω headphones, but with limitations. According to its official specs, the headphone outputs have a maximum output level of 7.5 dBu (≈1.9 V RMS) and an output impedance of 22 Ω.gzhls​

What this means for 300 Ω headphones

A 300 Ω headphone typically requires about 2 V RMS to achieve high listening levels (~110 dB SPL for models like the Sennheiser HD 600/650). Because the ES‑4 outputs close to 1.9 V RMS, it can reach moderate-to-loud levels but may struggle with very dynamic or quiet recordings.

The 22 Ω output impedance is acceptable, though not ideal—it slightly alters frequency response with high-impedance headphones but should not be problematic for 300 Ω loads.

Practical recommendation

  • The Quantum ES‑4 can power 250–300 Ω headphones, but not at full potential or “hi‑gain” levels.

  • For best fidelity and headroom, using an external headphone amplifier (fed from the line output) is advised if you require higher volume or more precision with high‑impedance headphones.gzhls​

  1. https://www.presonus.com/products/quantum-es-4-usb-c-audio-interface

  2. https://de.presonus.com/products/quantum-es-4-usb-c-audio-interface

  3. https://www.thomannmusic.com/presonus_quantum_es4.htm

  4. https://eu.presonus.com/products/quantum-es-4-usb-c-audio-interface

  5. https://fr.presonus.com/en/products/quantum-es-4-usb-c-audio-interface

  6. https://www.rockvilleaudio.com/quantum-es4-broad-4/

  7. https://www.specsradar.com/en/product/presonus-quantum-es-4-usb-c-4183027468

  8. http://answers.presonus.com/69093/headphone-output-impedance

  9. https://gzhls.at/blob/ldb/5/8/d/3/b7bc3fa701d1ca44c607331c4e15a2a37042.pdf

  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtiNp5xKq7s

  11. https://www.reddit.com/r/audio/comments/plpfso/will_an_audio_interface_be_enough_for_250_ohm/

  12. https://gearspace.com/gear/presonus/quantum-es-4

  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HYEVcsMAIg

  14. https://www.rockvilleaudio.com/quantum-es4-4-broadcast-boom-arm/

  15. https://gearspace.com/board/audio-student-engineering-production-question-zone/836718-safe-impedance-headphones-audio-interface.html

    Can the zoom ams-24 drive a 300 ohm headphone?

    The Zoom AMS-24 can technically run 300 Ω headphones, but it is not powerful enough to drive them to full volume or optimal performance. The AMS‑24’s two 3.5 mm headphone outputs are designed for low- to mid-impedance headphones (around 32–80 Ω) typical of portable or studio monitoring models, not for high-impedance audiophile models like the Sennheiser HD 600/650 series.

    Zoom’s official specifications and retailer listings confirm that the AMS‑24 is a portable, USB‑bus‑powered interface with no dedicated high‑voltage headphone amplifier stage. The continuous operation tests in Zoom’s documentation explicitly measure battery life using a 32 Ω headphone load , indicating this is its design target. Interfaces of similar class and topology typically output under 2 V RMS, yielding roughly 13 mW into 300 Ω, which may be adequate for quiet monitoring but insufficient for critical listening or dynamic tracks.sound-service+2​

    In short:

    • 300 Ω headphones (like Sennheiser HD 600/650) will work but be quiet and lack dynamic headroom.

    • For full fidelity and proper volume, use an external headphone amplifier or a higher‑power USB audio interface designed for high‑impedance headphones.

    1. https://www.zoom-europe.com/en/audio-interfaces/zoom-ams-24

    2. https://zoomcorp.com/manuals/ams-24-en/

    3. https://www.keepdrum.de/studio-recording/studio-homerecording/zoom-studioequipment/zoom-ams-24-audio-interface-kopfhoerer.html

    4. https://www.sound-service.eu/zoom-ams-24

    5. https://www.thomannmusic.com/zoom_ams_24.htm

    6. https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1ctadif/will_my_audio_interface_be_able_to_power_a_300ohm/

    7. https://gearspace.com/gear/zoom/ams-24

    8. https://musicshop.sg/products/zoom-ams-24-audio-interface

    9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxbiYcIxT9Q

    10. http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/headphone-amp-impedance.html

    11. https://www.reddit.com/r/DJs/comments/1lqnfs7/zoom_ams24_for_djing/

    12. https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75161

    13. https://www.reporterstore.de/zoom-ams-24-audio-interface

    14. https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=476449

    15. https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/audio-interface/audio-interfaces/ams-series/

    16. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/can-i-run-300-ohms-headphones.441854/

    17. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads%2Fdriving-headphones-properly.5443%2F

    18. https://gearspace.com/board/audio-student-engineering-production-question-zone/836718-safe-impedance-headphones-audio-interface.html

    19. https://www.reddit.com/r/fieldrecording/comments/145z4t6/can_a_zoom_h6_drive_250ohm_headphones/

    20. https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=556452

      Can the Scarlett Solo drive a 300 ohm headphone?

      Yes, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo can technically drive 300 Ω headphones, but performance depends on the generation.

      For the Scarlett Solo 4th gen, Focusrite specifies a maximum recommended headphone impedance of 300 Ω , matching models like the Sennheiser HD 600. Its headphone output can deliver about 10 dBu into 300 Ω, enough for comfortable listening at moderate to high levels.focusrite+1​

      By comparison, earlier 1st–3rd generation Scarlett Solos were best suited for up to 200 Ω headphones, where 250 Ω sets (e.g., Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro) already pushed the amp close to full volume for live monitoring but remained usable.kettnercreative+1​

      In practice:

      • For music playback or mixing finished tracks, 300 Ω headphones should reach sufficient loudness on the 4th gen unit.

      • For real‑time monitoring or very quiet recordings, you may find them slightly under‑powered and might prefer adding a dedicated headphone amplifier for higher headroom.

      In short: the Scarlett Solo 4th Generation can handle 300 Ω headphones acceptably, while earlier generations struggle to drive them to full potential without external amplification.

      1. https://focusrite.com/products/scarlett-solo

      2. https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360021413360-What-impedance-headphones-should-I-use-with-my-interface

      3. https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/m7h10h/beyerdynamic_dt_770_pro_250_ohm_x_scarlett_solo/

      4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF-Ki1Npr4w

      5. https://kettnercreative.com/audio-interface/scarlett-solo-250-ohm-headphones/

      6. https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/questionandanswer/bonjour-a-tousquelquun-sait-il-par-hasard-quels-casques-de-la-serie-beyerdynamic-dt-770-pro-linterfa-476873

      7. https://www.reddit.com/r/HeadphoneAdvice/comments/1gsiayi/audio_interface_scarlett_solo_4th_gen/

      8. https://www.reddit.com/r/edmproduction/comments/hxms46/is_the_scarlett_solo_enough_to_power_hd600s/

      9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N2EFCGWzWg

      10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wWK6kjLWug

      11. https://gearspace.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/1306480-focusrite-scarlett-solo-beyer-dt-990-pro-250-ohm.html

      12. https://userguides.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/17505454908562-Scarlett-Solo-Specifications

      13. https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/11/1644290549105813659/?l=brazilian

      14. https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84239

      15. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads%2Funderstanding-headphone-amp-specs-focusrite-scarlet-solo-g3-vs-ni-kontrol-z1.29622%2F

      16. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads%2Fdo-i-benefit-from-a-dedicated-headphone-amp-for-the-hd600-instead-of-the-scarlett-4i4-3rd-gen.56928%2F

      17. https://www.reddit.com/r/Focusrite/comments/12fgthd/headphone_output_performance_of_the_scarlet_solo/

      18. https://steamcommunity.com/discussions/forum/11/1644290549105813659/

      19. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audio-engine-d1-or-scarlett-solo.817575/

      20. https://www.audio-wave.com/product-page/scarlett-solo-4th-generation

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I use these FCS11B IEMs from Freq City Sound:

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I love my VSX headphones (and accompanying software).

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While their clam of “A Headphone That Gets You Perfect Mixes” is not completely true, due to my own lack of mixing knowledge/experience, my little home studio recordings have certainly gotten better since getting them.

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Just read some reviews … very interesting!!!

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My studio headphones are the Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro. I sold my DT 770s since I prefer semi-open or open-back headphones.

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My hi-fi headphones are the Sennheiser HD 599.

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If I had to choose one, I’d probably go for the Sennheisers. I bought them in 2018, and even after extensive use, they’re still perfect. For my gaming rig, I use the EPOS Sennheiser Game Zero.

For daily music and podcasts, I use my wireless Apple AirPods.

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Love that design. It’s what these people in 2001 would wear…

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Well that’s not fair as I made my post already, :joy:

Only one, I just like to look at the rest.

Impedance (Ohm) is part of the equation, the other part is sensitivity. the HD6XX while having 300 Ohm its high sensitivity saves it from being the hardest to drive headphones with 103 db per mW.

That said, some headphones, IEMs sounds good at any level, some needs higher volume to shine.

FiiO FA19, FX17 is probably my favorite.

I also have a shed load of Mountain bikes, as the matter of fact I have 2 shed load of mountain bikes in 2 continents. And oh! Guns, Lots of guns, :rofl:

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I think I see a pattern here, but I might be mistaken: it seems to me many bass players also have a passion for mountain bikes. It is interesting, but I don’t know how one thing is connected to the other. Or maybe it’s a coincidence? :thinking:

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Holly crap, I am so inadequate for this forum!
:joy:

I didn’t even know what open-back headphones are, had to google this.

On the one hand I am happy I don’t suffer from GAS too badly. On the other hand, I should know more about the gear options…

As for headphones, I don’t even know which one I have. It is whatever was on sale at the store when I though I need one. I don’t like using it too much as it hearts my right earlobe. I think it’s my ear, as it happens with other headphones as well. I usually just use monitoring speakers or amp and skip the headphones altogether these days.

What I DO need some advice with is: how do you keep the wife ok with all that gear?!?
I have 1 amp, 1 headphones, 1 DAI and 2 basses, and I already get grief!

:joy:

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You could start collecting wives and just put them in a shed!

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That’s the worst idea ever,

Having more than one wife, :joy:

My wife like the succulents, I just support her with that. Then subliminally put my hobby with her project now we’ll see if she’s going to say it look great or why the heck did you put that on my plant, :rofl:

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Edit: I just showed her this picture and she was not happy actually that was an understatement, she said that the white powder that was on the leaves are now wiped out, oh well I guess it was not a good thing, :joy:

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Oh man, I nearly choked laughing!

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My wife is into plants and succulents as well!

I would never dare place anything on top of her plants though, let alone photograph evidence of such transgression!

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This information would have been very helpful 20 hours ago. :joy:

She said because of that blemish she needs to score a couple more, well ok then. As long as I’m off the hook, I’m ok.

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Hmm.. I would say go slowly, and maybe it is a good idea to be very supportive of her own hobbies too.

Some people here had a number of good ideas and strategies, like telling about how different kinds of bass sound totally different, how one might actually need different basses for different music genres.

Also, playing a musical instrument has so many positive effects on health, keeps the brain young, etc… It is one of the best hobbies one could have, besides physical exercises.

You could say basses are a good investment and can be sold in case it’s necessary.

I think as long as you don’t buy too much too fast, and wait some time, she will get used to the idea.

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Mark Levinson 5909.

They are wireless.

As I am involved in audio production, mixing & mastering, I’m working on my studio speakers.

After a track is done, I am also testing it with my headphones (playing the track from my phone).

Sometimes, listening to a track on my headphones, makes me go back and apply some changes to it.

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I know I’m late to the party, but I use Superlux HD 681 for ~$25. Very clear listening, more for studiolike stuff. For the price, it’s great. I wear glasses and it doesn’t bother me that the over-ear portion is a bit tight temple parts of the glasses. YMMV

I also have some KZ-audio in ears which I do not particularly like, but they do the job on stage:

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