Does the Drop THX AAA 789 drive the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x?

Computed from rated specifications · target SPL 110 dB · load 600 Ω

Verdict

Adequate

The Drop THX AAA 789 adequately drives the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x with limited margin (~8.0 dB headroom at 600 ohms; needs ~15.8 mW, delivers 100 mW).

Headroom
8.0 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
15.8 mW
Delivered (@ 600 Ω)
100 mW
Required voltage
2.73 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 8.0 dB 0 · target 8.0 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 15.8 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 100 mW at 600 Ω (+8.0 dB above target).

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Dynamic · over-ear
Impedance 470.0 Ω rated
Sensitivity 98.0 dB/mW rated
Driver Dynamic
Spec basis Rated
Rated: Audio-Technica official spec (470 Ω, 98 dB/mW at 1 kHz). RAA has no measurement page. · Source ↗
Drop THX AAA 789 Desktop Ss · Single Ended
Output impedance manufacturer 0.1 Ω
Power @ 16 Ω 3000 mW
Power @ 32 Ω 1800 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 200 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 100 mW
Power source Manufacturer
Drop product page SE figures: 3000/1800/200/100 mW at 16/32/300/600 Ω. THX AAA topology, output impedance <0.1 Ω (class spec). · Source ↗

Where to buy

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 14.5 dB
Schiit Valhalla 2 Ample 14.5 dB
JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 Adequate 9.6 dB
Topping L30 Adequate 9.5 dB
iFi Zen DAC V2 Marginal 0.6 dB
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Insufficient -10.0 dB
HeadphoneHeadroom
Koss Porta Pro Ample 28.2 dB
Grado SR80x Ample 27.9 dB
HiFiMan Arya Ample 17.5 dB
AKG K702 Ample 16.9 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Adequate 7.5 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Adequate 6.4 dB