Is Keeping A Headphone Plugged In When Powering On/Off A Headphone Amplifier Safe?

[HeebieGenie]

Audio/headphone rookie here with a possibly repeated question, sorry in advance if that is the case.

I never even thought that the title of this thread could be bad or not. So I thought I'd ask here. On both my solid state and tube amplifier, I plug in the headphone and then turn on the amp. Not sure why, I guess I am eager to start enjoying them!

I mainly use an HD 600, as well as an HD 800 S that was basically given to me. Yes, I am very, very fortunate for that.

I should mention that the volume of the amp is always at zero when this is done. I saw someone mention something about excessive DC during power cycling being dangerous for the headphone transducer.

I don't hear any audible issues with my headphones despite having done this quite often. But, I am wondering if this habit could possibly cause damage.

I am assuming that since the volume is at zero, the answer to that is no. Since there is no way that the "Thump" you sometimes hear when it powers on could come anywhere near the SPL that could damage the headphones. But, I could be wrong.

Should also mention the amps are a FiiO K11(6.35mm) and an xDuoo TA-66.

 

[staticV3]

Unless the Amp is broken or built by a middle schooler, leaving the headphone connected is AOK.

 

[HeebieGenie]

Unless the Amp is broken or built by a middle schooler, leaving the headphone connected is AOK.

That's what I was thinking, thanks for confirming.

 

[HeebieGenie]

It's generally safe to keep your headphones plugged in when powering on/off an amp, especially if the volume is at zero. The "thump" you hear is typically not strong enough to damage headphones, but excessive DC during power cycling could potentially cause harm to the transducers over time. To be cautious, it's always best to power on the amp before plugging in the headphones or unplugging them before turning the amp off. While it may not cause immediate damage, it’s a good habit to avoid potential long-term issues.

Thanks for confirming. I've not done it too many times, and it doesn't sound like any damage has been done, but I will stop that habit now.

 

[sceptical1]

A decently designed HP amp would have a time delayed relay coupled output to squelch turn on/off transients.

Other than the obvious inconvenience of constantly reinserting the plug it can increase the contact resistance over time, something that is more critical the lower the output impedance of the device, even if the connectors are gold plated. Not to mention the repeated force on the jack if it is PC mounted.

Pulling the plug every time will do nothing more than eventually compromise mechanical and electrical integrity for no good reason. Leave well enough alone.

 

[Berwhale]

I never unplug my headphones (unless i'm changing to another pair, which is rare), my DAC/Amp is never switched fully off, it just goes to sleep when my PC is put to sleep. I'm not particularly worried about my headphones (I would be more worried about mechanical issues like @sceptical1 mentions above).

 

[NTK]

Know that Neutrik rates their 1/4 in (6.3 mm) phone plugs for only 1000 cycles. Example below is their NP3X-B.

 

[HeebieGenie]

A decently designed HP amp would have a time delayed relay coupled output to squelch turn on/off transients.

Other than the obvious inconvenience of constantly reinserting the plug it can increase the contact resistance over time, something that is more critical the lower the output impedance of the device, even if the connectors are gold plated. Not to mention the repeated force on the jack if it is PC mounted.

Pulling the plug every time will do nothing more than eventually compromise mechanical and electrical integrity for no good reason. Leave well enough alone.

Funny enough, I did this the most often with my OTL tube amplifier, which I don't think has any such protection.

But, I didn't even think it was an issue since nothing sounded "Wrong" as a result, just a very quiet thump that didn't even happen every time. That was until I saw the comment talking about excessive DC during power cycling causing damage on Reddit.

 

[Dimitri]

To be cautious,

Since we are being cautious....avoiding headphones altogether is potentially better for your hearing ... and at the prices of some headphones...better for your wallet too. A win-win!!!

 

[Berwhale]

Know that Neutrik rates their 1/4 in (6.3 mm) phone plugs for only 1000 cycles. Example below is their NP3X-B.

View attachment 449706

Looks like the plugs are going to go before the sockets which are rated at >10,000 cycles (which is a good thing!)

 

[Audiofire]

Unless the Amp is broken or built by a middle schooler, leaving the headphone connected is AOK.

Caveat that audiophoolery falls into this category
LOL

 

[sceptical1]

just a very quiet thump

Speakers thump, HPs don't. At least when the experts talk about LFs and wavelengths it would seem impossible. (lol)

 

[Audiofire]

Speakers thump, HPs don't. At least when the experts talk about LFs and wavelengths it would seem impossible. (lol)

 

[sceptical1]

Know that Neutrik rates their 1/4 in (6.3 mm) phone plugs for only 1000 cycles. Example below is their NP3X-B.

View attachment 449706

We used 0.5um on all of our connectors and I still got product in for service that was covered in black gunk because audiophiles would use whatever cables or ICs were on hand and not give it a second thought when eventually their negligence would be responsible for distortion levels 100 times what we painstakingly attempted to offer.

In those many cases I don't remember a single customer complaining about distortion when stating a reason for service, it was always problems with security of mechanical connections that forced them to send the product in because of intermittent sound and in most cases only when they would have to reconnect something and notice it when they jiggle a cable, otherwise distortion is a non issue no matter how bad compared to noise.

The point is dedication to fidelity is lost on most everyone or measurements have overstated what is needed for enjoyment by any sense.
Hardly expertly related, just hopeful that the point was made that the OP can do whatever he wants and still have close to no effect.

 

[wwenze]

Unless the Amp is broken or built by a middle schooler, leaving the headphone connected is AOK.

I can remember specific models designed by middle schoolers...

 

[egellings]

Audio/headphone rookie here with a possibly repeated question, sorry in advance if that is the case.

I never even thought that the title of this thread could be bad or not. So I thought I'd ask here. On both my solid state and tube amplifier, I plug in the headphone and then turn on the amp. Not sure why, I guess I am eager to start enjoying them!

I mainly use an HD 600, as well as an HD 800 S that was basically given to me. Yes, I am very, very fortunate for that.

I should mention that the volume of the amp is always at zero when this is done. I saw someone mention something about excessive DC during power cycling being dangerous for the headphone transducer.

I don't hear any audible issues with my headphones despite having done this quite often. But, I am wondering if this habit could possibly cause damage.

I am assuming that since the volume is at zero, the answer to that is no. Since there is no way that the "Thump" you sometimes hear when it powers on could come anywhere near the SPL that could damage the headphones. But, I could be wrong.

Should also mention the amps are a FiiO K11(6.35mm) and an xDuoo TA-66.

Should be fine to leave the phones plugged into the jack. If in doubt, yank it out. That 100% guarantees headphone safety.

 

[JeffS7444]

Yes, sometimes it can be a problem, especially if you power the system on and off from a switched power strip: Designers don't always consider this possibility! You can easily test without risking your headphones by measuring DC output as the power is switched on or off.

 

[egellings]

Yes, sometimes it can be a problem, especially if you power the system on and off from a switched power strip: Designers don't always consider this possibility! You can easily test without risking your headphones by measuring DC output as the power is switched on or off.

You'd need to snag that on a 'scope.

 

[JeffS7444]

You'd need to snag that on a 'scope.

Analog multimeter, or the analog-esque display of a DMM ought to suffice.

 

[egellings]

Analog multimeter, or the analog-esque display of a DMM ought to suffice.

The meter will show a reading of some average level, but won't show any of the dynamics of the waveform, such as overshoot, or voltage spikes, the way a scope will. If you are not concerned about those events, then the DMM will work just fine.