Does the Schiit Valhalla 2 drive the HiFiMan Edition XS?

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

Adequate

The Schiit Valhalla 2 adequately drives the HiFiMan Edition XS with limited margin (~4.4 dB headroom at 50 ohms; needs ~66.1 mW, delivers 180 mW). Note: this OTL tube amp's high output impedance (14 Ω) interacts strongly with this low-impedance (14 Ω) headphone, which can audibly alter its tonal balance. OTL tube amps are best paired with high-impedance (250 Ω+) headphones; this is a less ideal match.

Headroom
4.4 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
66.1 mW
Delivered (@ 50 Ω)
180 mW
Required voltage
0.98 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 4.4 dB 0 · target 4.4 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 180 mW at 50 Ω (+4.4 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 ↗
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 caution

This OTL tube amp's output impedance (14 Ω) is high relative to this headphone's 14 Ω impedance (ratio 1.0×). OTL tube amps are best paired with headphones ≥ 250 Ω; this combination may cause audible tonal coloration.

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.

Where to buy

Schiit Valhalla 2 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
Sennheiser HD 660S Ample 22.5 dB
Sennheiser HD 800 S Ample 20.6 dB
Philips SHP9500 Ample 13.6 dB
Audeze LCD-2 Classic Ample 13.6 dB
AKG K240 Studio Adequate 3.6 dB
Fostex T50RP Mk3 Marginal 1.7 dB

See all headphones for the Schiit Valhalla 2 →