Headphone Output
Headphone Output indicates whether a product includes a headphone amplifier and a socket for wired headphones.
This yes/no feature does not measure sound quality or output power. A “yes” does not establish suitability for every headphone.
Headphone Output — Phono Preamp
In a phono preamp, it lets you listen to records directly through headphones, without a separate headphone amplifier. The headphone volume control sets the listening level.
An ordinary RCA line output feeds another amplifier. A passive plug adapter does not add headphone amplification. Without a headphone output, connect the phono preamp’s line output to a separate headphone amplifier’s line input, then connect your headphones to that amplifier.
Compare the headphone socket type, recommended headphone impedance range and output power. Headphone impedance is its electrical load, measured in ohms (Ω). For a power rating, the stated load means the headphone impedance used for that rating; compare power figures at the same impedance.
Sources
- Headphone socket and separate line outputs — Cambridge Audio
- Phono preamp line-output connection — Pro-Ject Audio Systems
- Headphone amplifier input, sockets and power into a stated load — Pro-Ject Audio Systems