Does the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm drive the AKG K371?

Computed from measured specifications · target SPL 110 dB · load 32 Ω

Adequate

The Apple Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adequately drives the AKG K371 with limited margin (~9.7 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~3.3 mW, delivers 31 mW).

Headroom
9.7 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
3.3 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
31 mW
Required voltage
0.35 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 9.7 dB 0 · target 9.7 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 3.3 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 31 mW at 32 Ω (+9.7 dB above target).

AKG K371 Dynamic · over-ear
Impedance (rated) 32 Ω
Impedance (measured) Source: reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/r… 36.55 Ω measured
Sensitivity (rated) 99.05 dB/mW
Sensitivity (measured) 104.75 dB/mW measured
Driver Dynamic
Spec basis Measured
Measured by Reference Audio Analyzer (https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/akg-k371.php) · Source ↗
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Dongle · Single Ended
Output impedance review-measured 1.0 Ω
Power @ 32 Ω 31 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 3 mW *est.
Power @ 600 Ω 1 mW *est.
Power source Review Measured low confidence
* Loads marked "est." are derived from the published voltage ceiling at a lower-impedance load (V = √(P·R) → P_higher = V²/R_higher). All derivations are upward only.
Apple does not publish power specs. Power (31 mW @ 32 Ω) from community measurements (Kinemoss Tech review 2025). Output impedance ~1 Ω from multiple independent measurements. Derives 300 Ω and 600 Ω from voltage ceiling. Replaces synthetic 'Generic USB-C dongle' fixture. · Source ↗
Specification confidence: low

One or more amp specifications (power output or output impedance) are estimated rather than published by the manufacturer. Treat this pairing's verdict as approximate.

Where to buy

Apple USB-C to 3.5mm on Amazon ↗ AKG K371 on Amazon ↗

Disclosure: links above are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Affiliate commissions do not influence verdicts; all analysis is computed independently from the data.

AmplifierHeadroom
Schiit Lyr 3 Ample 32.5 dB
Schiit Asgard 3 Ample 30.2 dB
Drop THX AAA 789 Ample 27.3 dB
Topping DX3 Pro+ Ample 27.3 dB
Schiit Valhalla 2 Ample 17.3 dB
Little Dot MkII Ample 14.8 dB

See all amplifiers for the AKG K371 →

HeadphoneHeadroom
Koss Porta Pro Ample 10.5 dB
Grado SR80x Ample 10.2 dB
AKG K702 Insufficient -0.7 dB
Sennheiser HD 660S Insufficient -1.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Insufficient -10.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Insufficient -11.5 dB

See all headphones for the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm →