Does the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm drive the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X?

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

Adequate

The Apple Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adequately drives the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X with limited margin (~4.9 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~10.0 mW, delivers 31 mW).

Headroom
4.9 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
10.0 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
31 mW
Required voltage
0.62 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 4.9 dB 0 · target 4.9 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 10.0 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 31 mW at 32 Ω (+4.9 dB above target).

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Dynamic · over-ear
Impedance 38.0 Ω rated
Sensitivity 100.0 dB/mW rated
Driver Dynamic
Spec basis Rated
Rated: Audio-Technica official spec (38 Ω, 100 dB/mW). RAA has no measurement page for this model. · 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 ↗ Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X 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.

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