Does the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm drive the Sennheiser HD 560S?
Computed from measured specifications · target SPL 110 dB · load 32 Ω
Verdict
AdequateThe Apple Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adequately drives the Sennheiser HD 560S with limited margin (~8.6 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~4.3 mW, delivers 31 mW).
Headroom
8.6 dB
8.6 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
4.3 mW
4.3 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
31 mW
31 mW
Required voltage
0.83 Vrms
0.83 Vrms
Sennheiser HD 560S
Dynamic · over-ear
| Impedance (rated) | 120 Ω |
| Impedance (measured) Source: reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/r… | 161.7 Ω measured |
| Sensitivity (rated) | 110.0 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (measured) | 103.7 dB/mW measured |
| Driver | Dynamic |
| Spec basis | Measured |
Measured by Reference Audio Analyzer (https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/sennheiser-hd-560s.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
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Other amplifiers for the Sennheiser HD 560S
| Amplifier | Headroom |
|---|---|
| Schiit Lyr 3 | Ample 31.5 dB |
| Schiit Asgard 3 | Ample 27.7 dB |
| Schiit Magni Heretic | Ample 25.7 dB |
| FiiO K7 | Ample 24.6 dB |
| Schiit Valhalla 2 | Ample 16.3 dB |
| Schiit Fulla 4 | Ample 15.5 dB |
Other headphones the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm can drive
| Headphone | Headroom |
|---|---|
| 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 |