Impedance: what it is and how it affects the sound of speakers in headphones

To measure the indicator, a standard multimeter is usually used.

What is it - impedance: the meaning of the characteristic from the point of view of physics

First, let's turn to theoretical knowledge by looking at the electrical engineering section. So what is impedance? This is the total (complex) resistance (unit of measurement - Ohm) in a two-pole electrical circuit with alternating current fluctuations. This value is quite difficult to calculate, since it is the sum of the active and reactive resistances. Also, this parameter is directly influenced by the vibration frequency.

In addition to electrical impedance, there are several other varieties. The most relevant in our case will be the acoustic impedance. What's this? By analogy with the main subspecies, this definition hides the resistance of a material object to various kinds of vibrations.

Impedance and parameter features in acoustics

From the physics side, we hope everything is clear. But now we are primarily interested in what impedance (resistance) means in headphones and similar portable equipment. So headphone impedance is the impedance value received at the input. It is designated by the symbol “Ω", The unit of measurement is Ohm.

This characteristic affects the sound volume in a certain way (more on that later) and depends on the output power of the device. Moreover, there is an inverse relationship, which can be seen in the table below.

Also on the Net you can find the term "speaker impedance". Anticipating your questions about what it is, we inform our readers that this definition contains the following meaning: when played back in dynamics, a load is formed that converts an electrical signal into heat, and not into sound. It is with this negative phenomenon that we partly fight, choosing the optimal model.

To measure the impedance of the speaker, they use the same multimeter (in electrical engineering, there is nowhere without it!).

What is the best headphone impedance for different situations

Since in various players, smartphones and other sound systems, a certain rated power is used, before buying you should know how many ohms should be in the headphones for certain needs. We suggest you consider a few of the most common options.

Optimal headphone impedance for phone, audio player or laptop

If you are going to listen to music or watch movies and TV series using your smartphone or compact laptop, it makes no sense to take headphones, the impedance value in which exceeds 50 ohms. First, a low volume level will prevent you from enjoying every note of your favorite songs to the fullest. Secondly, compact devices in some cases will not be able to provide such high power - you you will understand what it means to exceed Ohms in the headphones when the device stops working at the most inappropriate moment.

AKG K3003

What headphone impedance is best for stationary PCs, music systems and professional work

Unlike their portable counterparts, larger devices with an appropriate audio amplifier offer significant capabilities and performance. Due to this headphones with an impedance below 32 ohms on such equipment it is better to use it with caution: there is too high a chance that the device will clearly show you what it means - not to follow the rules for choosing the resistance in the headphones, by arranging a short circuit or other serious breakdown.

But if on the packaging and in the specifications there is a resistance at the level of 50-60 ohms and above, you can safely use such a high-resistance device with a music center or a gaming PC.

Sennheiser HD800

NOTE!

Headphones with a high impedance value, although they require a lot of power consumption, have a high degree of protection against short circuits, overheating or other unforeseen damage.

How to choose the right headphones

So, now you have general information on the need to select resistance when buying audio equipment. But this is not enough: it is also important to understand what the notorious Ohms in headphones affect. Let's take a look at a few important points that will make it easier for you to make the right decision.

What is generally affected by the impedance in the headphones

While the most common claim is that impedance directly affects loudness, this is only half true. In fact, high or low impedance primarily affects the power of the amplifier and, as a result, the absence of signal distortion and the increase in volume. Also, impedance affects power consumption - this is especially noticeable when using smartphones or laptops with high impedance headphones.

What does the sensitivity of the headphones affect?

But this parameter, which depends on the hero of our review, is the main volume indicator in the headphones. The fact is that the sensitivity of headphones is the volume of sounds or music at a certain signal level, measured in dB (decibels). The minimum value present in modern technology is 32 dB (a lower value will be perceived by the human ear as a whisper). The maximum figure reaches 130 dB, but no more - after all, already 140 decibels can lead to painful shock.

NOTE!

Also, the frequency range, measured in Hz (hertz), plays a role in shaping sound quality. The most convenient and widespread interval is considered to be from 18 to 20,000 Hz. More professional models may offer even wider ranges, but the human ear is not able to comfortably work in such ranges.

Conclusion: what determines the volume of the headphones and why the impedance is important

So our next journey into the world of electronics and its main terms has come to an end. We hope that now you are 100% aware of what it is - impedance (impedance) in headphones and how Ohms affect the technical capabilities of various devices. Let's consolidate the learned material: the volume is primarily influenced by the sensitivity, but in order to achieve better result, it should be consistent with the power, which in turn directly depends on impedance. So take a close look at the number after the “Ω” icon on the specs or on the packaging before purchasing - this will make it easier to accept the final