Does the iFi Zen DAC V2 drive the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?

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

Ample

The iFi Zen DAC V2 drives the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x with ample headroom (~14.7 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~9.4 mW, delivers 280 mW). Note: output impedance for this amp isn't reliably published, so the damping interaction into this 37 Ω load can't be assessed; treat low-impedance pairings with caution.

Headroom
14.7 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
9.4 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
280 mW
Required voltage
0.59 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 14.7 dB 0 · target 14.7 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 9.4 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 280 mW at 32 Ω (+14.7 dB above target).

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Dynamic · over-ear
Impedance (rated) 38 Ω
Impedance (measured) Source: reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/r… 37.15 Ω measured
Sensitivity (rated) 99.0 dB/mW
Sensitivity (measured) 100.25 dB/mW measured
Driver Dynamic
Spec basis Measured
Measured by Reference Audio Analyzer (https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/audio-technica-ath-m50x.php) · Source ↗
iFi Zen DAC V2 Dac Amp · Single Ended
Output impedance assumed Not published
Power @ 32 Ω 280 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 36 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 18 mW *est.
Power source Manufacturer 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.
iFi Zen DAC V2 SE output: 280 mW @ 32 Ω, 36 mW @ 300 Ω (iFi tech lowdown PDF and product page). Output impedance: conflicting sources (manufacturer PDF cites '≤100 Ω unbalanced' which may refer to RCA pre-out, not the headphone jack; likely <<1 Ω for headphone output but unconfirmed). Set null; damping check flagged as indeterminate. 600 Ω derived from 300 Ω. · Source ↗
Impedance — unknown output impedance

This amp's output impedance is not reliably published, so the damping interaction into this 37 Ω headphone cannot be assessed. Treat low-impedance pairings (below ~80 Ω) with caution.

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

iFi Zen DAC V2 on Amazon ↗ Audio-Technica ATH-M50x 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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