Also, it is important to understand power numbers.
Say 500mW? That doesn't mean anything. Take for example the following:
- Is that 500mW peak or is that 500mW RMS.
- is that 500mW into 35 ohms (HEK) or 300 ohms (HD600) or 600 ohms (HD800)?
- What is the distortion at that 500mW? 1%? 5? 10%?
Some amps have trouble delivering power into low impedance loads. The relationship is not linear with power and loads.
Basically, when a manufacturer says they make a headphone amp that puts out 22 watts (with no other qualifiers), they probably full of crap and playing on the fact that many audiophiles get easily fooled into the longer schlong game. A longer schlong is useless if it can't get hard under load.
