Does the Schiit Valhalla 2 drive the AKG K240 Studio?

Computed from rated specifications · target SPL 110 dB · load 50 Ω

Adequate OTL-compatible pairing

The Schiit Valhalla 2 adequately drives the AKG K240 Studio with limited margin (~3.6 dB headroom at 50 ohms; needs ~79.4 mW, delivers 180 mW). This OTL tube amp suits the headphone's impedance (55 Ω) — a classically compatible pairing for high-output-impedance tube sources.

Headroom
3.6 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
79.4 mW
Delivered (@ 50 Ω)
180 mW
Required voltage
2.09 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 3.6 dB 0 · target 3.6 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 79.4 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 180 mW at 50 Ω (+3.6 dB above target).

AKG K240 Studio Dynamic · over-ear
Impedance 55.0 Ω rated
Sensitivity 91.0 dB/mW rated
Driver Dynamic
Spec basis Rated
Rated: AKG official spec (55 Ω, 91 dB/mW at 1 mW). Note: AKG uses dB/V for most models but explicitly states 1 mW here. RAA has no page. · Source ↗
Schiit Valhalla 2 Desktop Tube · Single Ended
Output impedance manufacturer 14.0 Ω
Power @ 50 Ω 180 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 800 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 450 mW
Power source Manufacturer
Schiit Valhalla 2 manufacturer spec (Audiophonics retailer, citing Schiit official): 180/800/450 mW at 50/300/600 Ω. OTL/hybrid topology: more power into 300 Ω than 50 Ω (normal for OTL). Output impedance 14 Ω (hi-gain) / 3.5 Ω (lo-gain) from Schiit PDF manual and Schiit Europe. Using 14 Ω as worst-case for damping check. · Source ↗
Impedance compatibility

This OTL tube amp's high output impedance (14 Ω) is a good match for the AKG K240 Studio's 55 Ω impedance. The impedance ratio (3.9×) falls within the recommended range for high-output-impedance tube sources — a classically well-matched pairing.

Where to buy

Schiit Valhalla 2 on Amazon ↗ AKG K240 Studio 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
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Little Dot MkII Marginal 1.0 dB
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Insufficient -4.1 dB

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HeadphoneHeadroom
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HiFiMan Edition XS Adequate 4.4 dB
Fostex T50RP Mk3 Marginal 1.7 dB

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