Power essential for deaf person - HiFi Headphones Forum - online headphone & earphone community forums

Chas_Underpay · 06-05-2011, 06:04 PM

I have a severe hearing disability and so power or loudness is paramount for me to enjoy my newly acquired Sony Walkman. Sony provided an earbud set which is just about adequate power-wise, but they are rather uncomfortable. I've bought a couple of cheapish pairs of in-ear phones which are perfect comfort-wise, but hopelessy insufficient on power. Sound clarity isn't as important to me as my hearing loss means I wouldn't appreciate it.

Can anyone recommend something they think would fit the bill for me please. Or at least give me some indication of what to look for on the specifications (dB??).

Many thanks.

RobinHiFi · 06-07-2011, 09:46 AM

Hi Chas

I would recommend looking at a headphone amp -

FiiO E5 Headphone Amplifier in Black
£16.99

FiiO E7 Headphone Amplifier & USB Audio Decoder (DAC) in Black
£64.99

Just Audio uHA-120 Headphone Amplifier Anodised Silver (uHA120)
£199.86

It is your Sony player which lacks the power - headphones only give a resistance against the supplied power. Having tried the Sony players they are really underpowered and fail to drive some quite low impedance headphones.

Watch out though as high Sound Pressure levels can damage hearing over time

Chas_Underpay · 06-08-2011, 03:50 PM

Many thanks Robin for your response.

A headphone amp was in fact my first thought, but it didn't explain to me why the earbud phones supplied with the Walkman were so much louder than the in-ear phones.

Never mind though, the FiiO E5 looks as if it will answer my prayers, so I'll purchase one of these from your site.

06-05-2011, 06:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
Chas_Underpay Headphone Newbie Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Power essential for deaf person I have a severe hearing disability and so power or loudness is paramount for me to enjoy my newly acquired Sony Walkman. Sony provided an earbud set which is just about adequate power-wise, but they are rather uncomfortable. I've bought a couple of cheapish pairs of in-ear phones which are perfect comfort-wise, but hopelessy insufficient on power. Sound clarity isn't as important to me as my hearing loss means I wouldn't appreciate it. Can anyone recommend something they think would fit the bill for me please. Or at least give me some indication of what to look for on the specifications (dB??). Many thanks. Last edited by Chas_Underpay; 06-05-2011 at 06:06 PM.

06-07-2011, 09:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
RobinHiFi Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 835 Thanks: 6 Thanked 170 Times in 161 Posts	Hi Chas I would recommend looking at a headphone amp - FiiO E5 Headphone Amplifier in Black £16.99 FiiO E7 Headphone Amplifier & USB Audio Decoder (DAC) in Black £64.99 Just Audio uHA-120 Headphone Amplifier Anodised Silver (uHA120) £199.86 It is your Sony player which lacks the power - headphones only give a resistance against the supplied power. Having tried the Sony players they are really underpowered and fail to drive some quite low impedance headphones. Watch out though as high Sound Pressure levels can damage hearing over time __________________ Robin @ HiFi Headphones HiFi Headphones - the UK Headphone & Earphone Store That's Serious About Headphones Ultimate Ears, Grado, Phonak Audéo, Klipsch, Shure, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and many other high quality brands - visit our store. Join us on FaceBook

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-08-2011, 03:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Chas_Underpay Headphone Newbie Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Many thanks Robin for your response. A headphone amp was in fact my first thought, but it didn't explain to me why the earbud phones supplied with the Walkman were so much louder than the in-ear phones. Never mind though, the FiiO E5 looks as if it will answer my prayers, so I'll purchase one of these from your site.