4 or 8 ohm decision

[MattTCG]

I like to run dynamics (hd650 and hd800) as well as efficient planars (ETHER Flow and Aeon Flow). I'm wondering which configuration would serve best, 4 or 8 ohm. I don't, at this time, plan to use speakers as this is a dedicated headphone amp.

Are there any real differences between the two choices aside from more gain? Would 8 ohms offer a quieter background, provided that it provided adequate gain?

kindly...

Matt

 

[Paul Birkeland]

The quieter background will come from the 4 ohm tap, as will the better damping and lower distortion.  The 8 ohm tap will provide a bit more power.

Since you're mostly using headphones, I would just start with the 4 ohm tap.

 

[MattTCG]

Thanks for the information. That was just what I was looking for.