1. What is the Power Equation?

The power equation calculates the electrical power delivered to headphones from an amplifier based on voltage and impedance. It helps determine if an amplifier can adequately drive a pair of headphones.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the power equation:

Where:

• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( Z \) — Impedance (ohms)
• 1000 — Conversion factor to milliwatts

Explanation: The equation shows that power increases with the square of voltage but decreases with higher impedance.

3. Importance of Power Calculation

Details: Proper power calculation ensures your headphones receive sufficient power for optimal performance without distortion or damage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter voltage in volts and impedance in ohms. Both values must be positive numbers. The result is given in milliwatts (mW).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good power output for headphones?
A: This depends on the headphones' sensitivity, but generally 1-50mW is sufficient for most headphones, while some planar magnetics may need 100mW+.

Q2: How does impedance affect power requirements?
A: Higher impedance headphones require more voltage to achieve the same power output as lower impedance headphones.

Q3: What happens if my amp can't provide enough power?
A: You may experience distortion, lack of bass, or insufficient volume levels.

Q4: Is more power always better?
A: Not necessarily. Excessive power can damage headphones or your hearing if volume isn't carefully controlled.

Q5: Should I consider headphone sensitivity too?
A: Yes, sensitivity (dB/mW) determines how efficiently headphones convert power to sound. High sensitivity headphones need less power.