Does the iFi Zen DAC V2 drive the HiFiMan Edition XS?

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

Adequate

The iFi Zen DAC V2 adequately drives the HiFiMan Edition XS with limited margin (~6.3 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~66.1 mW, delivers 280 mW). Note: output impedance for this amp isn't reliably published, so the damping interaction into this 14 Ω load can't be assessed; treat low-impedance pairings with caution.

Headroom
6.3 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
66.1 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
280 mW
Required voltage
0.98 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 6.3 dB 0 · target 6.3 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 66.1 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 280 mW at 32 Ω (+6.3 dB above target).

HiFiMan Edition XS Planar · over-ear
Impedance (rated) 18 Ω
Impedance (measured) Source: reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/r… 14.4 Ω measured
Sensitivity 91.8 dB/mW measured
Driver Planar
Spec basis Measured
Measured by Reference Audio Analyzer (https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/hifiman-edition-xs.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 14 Ω headphone cannot be assessed. Treat low-impedance pairings (below ~80 Ω) with caution.

Planar driver note

Planar-magnetic headphones can have high current demands that are not fully captured by the power headroom model. Even with adequate headroom, some solid-state amps may struggle to deliver sufficient peak current for transient dynamics. Prefer amps rated for low-impedance planars.

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 ↗ HiFiMan Edition XS 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 19.6 dB
Schiit Asgard 3 Ample 18.8 dB
Topping A90 Ample 14.8 dB
Topping DX3 Pro+ Ample 14.4 dB
Little Dot MkII Marginal 1.8 dB
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Insufficient -3.3 dB

See all amplifiers for the HiFiMan Edition XS →

HeadphoneHeadroom
Koss Porta Pro Ample 20.1 dB
Grado SR80x Ample 19.8 dB
HiFiMan Arya Adequate 9.4 dB
Sennheiser HD 660S Adequate 9.0 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Marginal 0.0 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Insufficient -1.1 dB

See all headphones for the iFi Zen DAC V2 →