Does the Little Dot MkII drive the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?

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

Ample

The Little Dot MkII drives the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x with ample headroom (~10.3 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~9.4 mW, delivers 100 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
10.3 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
9.4 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
100 mW
Required voltage
0.59 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 10.3 dB 0 · target 10.3 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 100 mW at 32 Ω (+10.3 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 ↗
Little Dot MkII Desktop Tube · Single Ended
Output impedance assumed Not published
Power @ 32 Ω 100 mW
Power @ 120 Ω 200 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 300 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 150 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.
Little Dot MkII SEPP OTL circuit. Power figures (100/200/300 mW at 32/120/300 Ω) appear consistently across retailer listings (Linsoul, ShenZhenAudio) citing manufacturer spec. Note unusual characteristic: more power into 300 Ω than 32 Ω — typical for OTL amps. Output impedance not published; SEPP OTL topology suggests ~20–50 Ω but no reputable non-forum measurement found. 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

Little Dot MkII 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.

AmplifierHeadroom
Schiit Lyr 3 Ample 28.0 dB
Schiit Asgard 3 Ample 25.7 dB
Drop THX AAA 789 Ample 22.8 dB
Topping DX3 Pro+ Ample 22.8 dB
Schiit Valhalla 2 Ample 12.8 dB
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Adequate 5.2 dB

See all amplifiers for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x →

HeadphoneHeadroom
Sennheiser HD 660S Ample 18.2 dB
Sennheiser HD 560S Ample 16.7 dB
Audeze LCD-2 Classic Ample 11.0 dB
Sennheiser HD 599 Ample 10.9 dB
AKG K240 Studio Marginal 1.0 dB
Fostex T50RP Mk3 Insufficient -0.9 dB

See all headphones for the Little Dot MkII →