Headphone Output Impedance (Balanced)
Balanced headphone output impedance is the source impedance presented by a balanced headphone connection, measured in ohms.
It interacts with the headphones' impedance and can affect delivered voltage and frequency response. A lower source impedance generally reduces that interaction. This is an amplifier-output property, distinct from headphone impedance, output power and the connector's physical format.
Headphone Output Impedance (Balanced) — Headphone Amp
Use the figure belonging to the balanced headphone output you intend to use. An amplifier may have different impedances at its balanced and single-ended sockets, and switching gain, feedback or tube operation can change the specified value. A 'less than' figure gives an upper limit rather than an exact measurement.
Compare the same output and operating settings, then consider the headphones' impedance across frequency. A balanced line or preamplifier output has a different purpose and cannot supply this figure. Nor should a recommended headphone-impedance range or an impedance-selector label be mistaken for measured source impedance.
Headphone Output Impedance (Balanced) — Digital Audio Player
On a portable player, this value describes the balanced headphone connection, commonly a 4.4 mm or 2.5 mm socket. It matters especially when a headphone's impedance varies substantially with frequency, because the resulting voltage division can alter tonal balance. Gain or tube-mode settings may carry different figures.
Compare the same socket, operating mode and supplied amplifier module. If both balanced socket sizes are present, check whether their values differ rather than assuming one figure covers both. A line-output impedance or the load used for a power rating is not this specification, even when the same socket supports several functions.