Isn't that an argument for higher power amplifiers then -- confirming that there is some basis to the "myth" we are discussing? Like wanting something really powerful to couple with my T50RP and LC2 Classic. Or would something like the ifi iDSD BL be sufficient? After all, the latter also has fairly low output impedance, and would work better with lower impedance headphones as well.
The output resistance isn't of any importance for the T50RP nor the LCD2C. Well... aside from the slight loss of max output power.
And no... this isn't an argument for the LCD2C (112 dB/1V) and T50RP (105dB/V).
Because of your ears ... bleeding and such.
The LCD2C = 70 Ohm let's assume 125dB SPL peak is what you want (105dB average is what you cannot listen to for long)
For this you need 4.5V = 0.3W @ 70 Ohm to give you a nasty headache after a few minutes.
The T50RP = 50 Ohm let's assume 125dB SPL peak is what you want (105dB average is what you cannot listen to for long)
For this you need 10V = 2W @ 50 Ohm to give you a nasty headache after a few minutes.
Assuming you want to keep it civilised and don't want to make your ears bleed but still play VERY loud you can get by with 1/10th of the power.
So LCD2C = 30mW and T50RP = 0.2W .... 115dB peaks is already VERY VERY loud.
No need for 5W with the LCD2C at all... 138dB SPL is not something you need.
When using an Ananda, HE5, HE6 or K1000 a high output power makes sense.
SPL is what it is all about.
There isn't something 'magical' about 0.1W from a 5W amplifier or a 0.5W amplifier.
At 0.1W both amps supply exactly the same output voltage, exactly the same waveform and exactly the same current is drawn.
Both amps are well below their max output voltage and current.
So.. what would be different when driving headphones equally loud from 2 different watttage amps when all other aspects (frequency response well below and above the audible limits and dist < 0.01%) remain the same ?
The only difference is the 'feeling' one has knowing there is enough 'juice. But in this case, both do it's just the mind that thinks otherwise and shifts some 'enjoyment' gears in the brain.