Audio Tech Talk. Impedance Adapters

AndyAudioVault on the functions of Impedance Adapters, why and when they are needed.
Thanks to Venture Electronics for the Impedance Adapters:
shopee.com.my/Venture-Electro...

[@MarcAMVz]

Great video, thanks for the info and your experience. Suscribed now.

[@donglemadness]

Thanks for the sub!

[@saij0n]

Awesome explanation. Thanks for keeping it simple.

[@zenu903]

I just bought an IEM from KZ and was not happy to find out that noise floor is an issue with them. (Why does no reviewer mentions it?!) This video came at the right time for me and is everything I needed to know about impedance adapters. Thank you.

[@Qwaszxxl]

Hey, can you share which impedance adapter worked for you with your KZs? I’m kind of in the same situation like you were, so your recommendation would help a lot!

[@ThunderTurtle7]

Exactly why I'm here. Also because they're too loud even when the volume setting is low.

[@ak69k67]

​@@Qwaszxxldid you get anything

[@ricardobrandao_]

What is your KZ Model? Which impedance have you tried?

[@paulhealy6390]

Fantastic video extremely helpful thanks all the best.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure 🙏

[@alp786]

Excellent information!

[@edmundcsp]

Andy the explorer! Great info bro

[@donglemadness]

Tqtq lol

[@sydbarrett5289]

Thank you 👍

[@frederf69]

Very useful ✌🎧👍 thank you

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure 🙏

[@athenovae]

Thanks for the video. I want to make my own but at 5 ohm cuz the one with the RED is too much for me.

[@donglemadness]

My pleasure :D

[@richardalvarado1877]

That will be nice if manufacturers create a version for interchangeable cable connectors, like a swappable connector that would fit on trn t2 pro or the kinera gramr for example.

[@advekarov6583]

Thanks for this info! I love how excited you are when explaining things like this. Can I ask, what impedance can you recommend to me? I have a 22 ohms IEM and very sensitive. I don't want drastic changes in the sound but I want to tune my volume. Since when I use it on abigail pro, the volume was 3/100 and the jump on volume is quite large. Should I use 25 or 50 ohms? Thanks!

[@donglemadness]

45 Ohm would work just fine for you, barely any alteration to the sound, perhaps a bit of smoothing on upper frequencies (especially if you use DD IEMs)

[@advekarov6583]

@@donglemadness I will try that, thanks!

[@victorkangnz]

Hi Andy! Thanks for the nice video. Where did you read that the Megatron is rated at 600 mW? The VE website says 300 mW with 32 Ohm load (balanced)...but I've seen a couple of reviews saying 600 mW

[@donglemadness]

That's correct, over 600 mW for the overall output of 300 each channels, make sense now? I got the numbers directly from VE, from their own measurements

[@victorkangnz]

@@donglemadness oh that's good to know! Their website doesn't say per channel...maybe they should add that for clarification!

[@romanh616]

Hi, I like all your videos, l waiting for more new videos, I want to watch more and more!) Did u try to use impedance adapters with planar IEM? How does it impact sound? Because I have already S12 Pro, I thinking to buy Megatrone, because lot of KZbinrs saying that S12 Pro needs more power to improve its sound, what u think about this situation?

[@donglemadness]

Imo planars don't need impedance adapters and best suited to run as low Impedance as possible. Even HiFiMan headphones uses low Impedance at 24 Ohms. As would most planars, they scale better with more power, not just S12. Megatron is perfect

[@jeeewhyyypheee]

Impedance adaptor also worked on planars. For example my KZ PR2 I tried pairing it with TE Zero Red 10 ohm adapter. It really make the sound cleaner, add more sub bass and smoothen the upper treble extension air

[@markevinlagsac3252]

Thanks for the info. I have the revised version of PR2 and I cannot listen to it because of extreme sibilance. The adaptor from red helps tame down the harshness.

[@markevinlagsac3252]

also helps with my dioko

[@juliuscharan3690]

​@@markevinlagsac3252Hi mark ! Can you let me know how many ohms impedance adapter you are using on your diokos , and if you are using any foam tips on them ! Thanks in advance

[@mauerchisp4814]

Hi Andy! very informative video, these seem really useful, one very ignorant question sorry, do you know if I plug my earphones with an inline mic, will it work? I saw an imp adapter with 2 lines on the jack, but Venture's have 3 lines, 2 for channels and one for mic? Sorry if the question is weird! I have Megatron, and having the volume low with hiss, I don't mind it, but it would be nice to control volume a little better and having the mic, that's why I wanted to know :)! Hope you're doing well!!

[@donglemadness]

Yes they are designed for inline MIC and that's why you see 4 lines

[@mauerchisp4814]

@@donglemadness That's a great quality of life change! Thank you so much!

[@EGxSenSei]

Guess im too early 😅? Keep it up Andy 👍🏻

[@donglemadness]

Lol. No worries and Thank You!

[@matusjurcik6974]

Interesting, my own experience is as follows: In the review of the ovidius B1 u have mentioned that the stock impedance adapter is adding 16 ohm of impedance, right? So It should barely change the sound in the case of the dynamic drivers. But to my ears it changed the sound (air cut off and raise of the bass) also the volume quite a bit. Is there any chance that it is actually adding more than just 16 ohms of impedance, or should I buy adapter from another brand (dunu, VE, ...) ? 😁. Also in the case of the hybrids (BA + DD) it could do iem more Vshape (in theory)? (more treble to the BAs and more bass to the DDs) 🤨🤔😄

[@donglemadness]

Unfortunately I don't have the stock L adapter anymore with me. It could be more than 16 Ohm, it's plausible

[@lo_oI.]

I would like to ask a question, but first congratulations for the content, very direct and simple to understand, which few people talk about and is very interesting. My question is, I use a 4.4 to 3.5 adapter in my Mest, could I use this Veclan adapter together?

[@donglemadness]

Thank you! And for your question, yes you can slot in this adapter on the 3.5mm side, it work just fine, albeit the clunky look after attaching 2 adapters to an already big 4.4mm plug. I did this and for as long as I refuse to look at it, they worked perfectly

[@lo_oI.]

@@donglemadness 😅 thank you so much !

[@honeyblunt5150]

Hello Andy, very informative video. Do you know if it's possible to plug an IEM with 75 ohm impedance adapter directly into a smartphone and listen to it that way, or would it require a dongle/dac/amp running off the phone for it to work properly?

[@donglemadness]

Thanks. Yes you can plug any impedance adapter directly to your phone of course, if adding resistance is what you looking for. The results of it, the higher the impedance, the more volume you need to achieve normal listening loudness

[@honeyblunt5150]

@@donglemadness Thanks again Andy you've been most helpful

[@michaelsablan3647]

Hi Andy! What's the difference between ifi IEMatch and impedance adapters? Do they behave differently or the same? I'm using LG v50 as DAP annd planning to use the High Impedance mode but it won't trigger unless the IEMs or headphones has 50 ohms and above impedance. Great video btw! Thank you!

[@donglemadness]

They are the same thing. Adds impedance to the signal path. The difference probably the impedance values

[@michaelsablan3647]

@@donglemadness thank you!

[@siddhesh2888]

Sir, you truly are an expert in this audio field. Few days ago, regarding my search for basshead IEM without sacrificing clear mid and treble, I stumbled across this legitimate mod(works only on Dynamic driver) where many listeners owning dual Dynamic Driver IEMs like HBB KHAN or Truthear Crinacle Zero had specifically used 75Ω impedance plug to boost sub-bass response only without altering any mid regions or treble making them a basshead IEM with almost similar tuning to Fatfreq Maestro SE or mini. What they didn't mentioned forms my questions. Sorry for that. a. Will any 75Ω impedance plug will work coz they never mentioned any specific brand? b. All 75Ω impedance plug available in our country (JCALLY ZU2) states that they are not compatible with smartphones. c. I have VE Abigail Pro DAC dongle. Will this whole setup of IEM + 75Ω plug work if connected to Pro on my smartphone? Really need your expertise here.

[@donglemadness]

Most impedance adapters are designed on the same principle. So they are largely usable regardless of the brand. As long as you are using the correct sized 3.5mm adapter for 3.5mm jack, it will work. Also consider that some has 4 channel on the plug like this one to allow for usage with MIC, the ones with 3 channel on the plug are without MIC support. So yes they will work for you

[@siddhesh2888]

@@donglemadness First of all thanks for your valuable response. Second, I checked about JCALLY ZU2 75Ω plug on Aliexpress and on seller's site, it mentions that this plug does not support headphones with wired controls and microphone functions will be deactivated. So, no MIC function I guess. By the way, after your recommendation, I had ordered JCALLY JM6 Pro DAC dongle for my IEM. Can I run this whole setup on my smartphone using JM6 Pro?

[@donglemadness]

@@siddhesh2888 Yes it can. JM6 Pro supports MIC and use the normal 3.5mm jack

[@siddhesh2888]

@@donglemadness Thanks again for solving my dilemma.

[@xxjjgdrgn]

🍿🍿🍿

[@matusjurcik6974]

Hello :), where did you get that ovidius B1 cable?, Because it doesnt look as the stock one (atleast looks different than main). I am asking in the case that u have found some spare cable for the ovidius B1 somewhere. 😁

[@donglemadness]

That's a custom made cable I DIY myself. One of a kind, lol

[@matusjurcik6974]

@@donglemadness I just reinforced main, he must survive at any cost!!! 😄

[@adinugrahapratama1790]

Still wait tanchjim space review.. 😅

[@Zsaber64]

Maybe this is a really ignorant question, but if I have multiple impedance adapters (like the VE three pack), is it safe to use more than one at a time? I'm finding the volume to still be too loud with the Megatron while I'm at work, and I'm wondering if I can stack the 75 ohm adapter with the 50 or 25, but I'm too worried about wrecking my equipment to try it myself.

[@donglemadness]

It is a viable idea. Stacking impedance adapters will add the value of resistances. But imagine how long the audio jack would become and you also risk yourself to snapping them accidentally

[@Zsaber64]

@@donglemadness Yikes, that's a terrifying thought! I'm not too concerned about it because the DAC is stationery on my desk. Thanks for the quick answer!

[@jiodino]

I have the Simgot EA500 and DC03 PRO I was planning for a 75ohm Adapter as the EA500 is sensitive and when I use it for long session there are times that they do some long static and only stops when I reconnect the source to my laptop again. What is the best ohm for them?

[@donglemadness]

I find 45 Ohm usually the sweet spot for most IEMs, including EA500

[@gavingranado2146]

What do you recommend to use for Hz Heart Mirror? I have one and Im planning on getting a 25 ohm or 32 ohm impedance adapter but you mentioned you used 75 ohms

[@donglemadness]

For HM it's best between 45 to 75 Ohm. 25 Ohm will barely make any difference

[@bentobox3140]

Hi Andy. Megatron is too loud for headphones when connected with the PC for me. Can I use VE 75ohm resistor with 4.4 balanced out into the HD600 for better results and better volume control? Not a big deal for me as I use megatron to feed into a headphone amp anyways. But would love to bring Megatron to an audio shop as my testing rig.

[@donglemadness]

Yes that's what impedance adapters are for. 75 Ohm is perfect

[@superidyt]

I have a DAC with the following specification: Output 400 Watt @32 Oh / Impedance 16 ohms to 250 ohm. I'm using the Truthear Zero Red. My question is whether I can use high impedance adapters (220-600 Ohms). What would be the benefits and harms?

[@donglemadness]

There's no harm definitely, you are dampening the sound, not boosting. But, there may be side effect of changing the sound with such high impedance added. Like you may hear the low frequency gets thicker and highs gets suppressed, or it could be the other way round, hard to tell because different IEMs tend to behave differently. I might suggest to use 75-150 Ohm instead, like what I did on my 3W Burson Audio Playmate 2, it does not change the sound much at all, and I still get the dampening needed to avoid getting shouty. Otherwise 4W of power are meant for stuffs like passive speakers and super low sensitivity planars like Susvara, definitely not for IEMs at under 32 Ohm or sensitivity above 100 dB

[@amanieux]

does the a/b 3.5mm switch box that have a potentiometer for $8 on aliexpress also work as an impedance adapter modifiying bass level in iems ? ( after all a potentiometer is just a variable resistor instead of a fixed resistor in a 3.5mm impedance adapter

[@donglemadness]

Hard to say, I never tried one myself. But assuming that you are referring to stepped volume pot which uses resistors, then there could be similar effect. Like I said, I am not sure

[@joejunior4700]

I have JM10 which is rated at 2vrms at 600ohms, can a 75 ohms adapter trigger the adaptive 2vrms output? I'm running it with KZ PR2 and with JM10 it already sound much better than the CX-PRO and Jcally JA04.

[@donglemadness]

I think you can just run JM10 as it is. Adding impedance may bump it to high gain mode but it seems that JM10 is already very capable as it is

[@joejunior4700]

@@donglemadness Thanks for the reply

[@kurtfinguerra1712]

So would the Ovidius B1 work with my VERY hard to drive HE6se? Without an impedance adapter?

[@donglemadness]

At 83.5 dB of sensitivity and 50 Ohm, HE6se is a hard stretch for many DAC/Amps. You may be better served with something like iFi Diablo or VE Defiant. Don't look for dongles, none of them will power that monster to 80% even

[@ricardobrandao_]

Have you tried those with a KZAs16 Pro? Wich Impedance should I Choose from Veclan - 25Ω, 50Ω or 75Ω ?

[@donglemadness]

Sorry I haven't tried that IEM so it's hard to advise precisely. But I would recommend to go for 45 Ohm for most KZ IEMs

[@ricardobrandao_]

@@donglemadness thanks.

[@TheChazas]

It is safe to use with portable DAC/Amp like iBasso DC03 Pro and Planar IEM's or IEM's in general? If you could test any of those 25ohm to 75ohm adapters to see if it increases bass on Simgot EW200, I would really appreciate it.

[@donglemadness]

Yes of course, there is no way impedance adapter will harm any type of listening devices because that nature of them is to dampen, not to add or boost anything. For EW200, if you push the impedance all the way to 75 Ohm, you may get denser lows, but do not expect that to work like an EQ, if you need more bass, play with narrow bore silicone tips and that will give more audible results, or just straight EQ it

[@TheChazas]

@@donglemadness Thank you very much for a fast reply.

[@TheChazas]

@@donglemadness Do you have any recommendations for EW200 EQ? Also any recommendations for PR2? which strangely lacks mid bass, and somehow sounds hollow, even though it does have fantastic detail. I have seen PR3 got announced and is already on sale, wonder how it will compete, it "suppose" to be technically better.

[@donglemadness]

@@TheChazas I never use EQ so I would not be able to say anything on that subject. What you are hearing from PR2 is essentially source transparency and from the way you describe it, it seems you will appreciate a more colored sound presentation. I would say PR2 is close to being neutral with Mids to Midbass and that's how neutral sounds like. If you listen to true neutral or even Diffused Field Neutral, it is even flatter sounding than PR2

[@PinoyedPvP]

I have a Mixer with these specification: Output 15mW@32ohm / Impedance 16/32/64 Ω. And I'm using the YINYOO CCZ Melody inear Earphones. So should I buy impedance adapters (50-80 Ohms)

[@donglemadness]

Do you feel you need impedance adapters? it seems your mixer already have variable impedance settings. You use impedance adapters only if you must, when your IEMs are getting floor noises or shouty with power, otherwise you would not want to use one

[@PinoyedPvP]

@@donglemadness oh sorry, I hear like white noise/ floor noise I forgot to mention. I tried other headphones and it's still the same result on the mixer

[@sydbarrett5289]

I have such a question, I have a megatron and a trn kirin and I want to know if I connect a 75 ohm adapter to a 4.4 input, how much power will be reduced as a percentage? Thanks!

[@donglemadness]

Not much at all, Megatron is so overpowered that a 75 Ohm impedance will barely impact the output, but it does help to lower floor noises

[@sydbarrett5289]

@@donglemadness thank you. I know, but the tone of the sound changes a little, it becomes softer.

[@byntkktrnn]

How did an adapter (70 ohm) affect the sound of VE SiE? Thank you.

[@donglemadness]

I will need to try it. WIth SIE I don't feel the need to use impedance adapters

[@Pilbsu]

I don't understand why this isn't built into the IEM/cable. The hiss is unacceptable!!

[@donglemadness]

Because some will not like it that the sound frequency is dampened. Some manufacturer like to build very low impedance IEMs to ensure they are easy to drive

[@roy1112able]

I recently bought Simgot ew200 iems along with 7hz 71 dac and for the most part i was happy with the performance but when I tried listening to classical music I could hear distinct hissing sound. This noise decreased significantly when I tried the iems without dac but it didn't go away. I don't know exactly how much impedance i need... Can some1 help with this ?

[@donglemadness]

You can try adding 50 Ohm and that can help suppress floor noise

[@roy1112able]

@@donglemadness adding a 30 ohm plug from jcally solved the hissing sound completely. Thank u for posting the video, without it I would have never understood what the problem was and let alone solving it.

[@jogurcik13]

whats that custom ovidius cable?

[@donglemadness]

A DIY 2.5mm I made myself

[@fernsjuarez1129]

How can I properly use am adaptor? I have an LG v50 and I tried a Jcally 75 ohm adaptor and the volume was very low. Thank you in advance.

[@donglemadness]

Rightfully, on V50 or V30, when you plugged in anything above 50 Ohm, it will run High Gain mode, but if you hear that the volume still low, then it simply mean your listening sensitivity requires much higher volume loudness. Some people have high sensitivity to low volume, some need much higher, that's normal

[@fernsjuarez1129]

@@donglemadness yeah it actually triggered the high impedance mode. Thank you, your definitely the guy to ask questions too since you always reply.

[@donglemadness]

@@fernsjuarez1129 No worries, you probably will need something more powerful like VE Megatron or Ovidius B1 now, lol

[@fernsjuarez1129]

@@donglemadness 😂

[@roelsabanal]

Do you mean to say high ohm is better?

[@donglemadness]

No it is not. The quality of sound is not influenced entirely on higher impedance. But higher impedance helps to mitigate micro floor noises when using high powered sources. If you are using low power sources, using high impedance devices just doesn't make any sense. In my case, I always prefer high impedance because it means they usually can scale a lot better as I push the power up beyond 4 Vrms/2000 mW,

[@roelsabanal]

TY@@donglemadness

[@rafeezrazi92]

your voice in this video is inbalance

[@donglemadness]

Yes, because I don't use proper MIC. Will get one soon and hopefully it will be better with upcoming videos