30nW+30mW output?

[Enoch]

I just listened to my Altec Lansing iM716's on a X5 (rated at 20mW+20mW---10 less than the U3) and it's WAY louder. What's, uh, the deal?!

[MardiGras Dave]

I just listened to my Altec Lansing iM716's on a X5 (rated at 20mW+20mW---10 less than the U3) and it's WAY louder. What's, uh, the deal?!

The U3 is plenty loud enough for me! But I have never tested the output... I wouldn't know where to begin!

I do remember reading something in one of the forums about how the 30mW+30mW was partially achieved by software rather than fully by hardware... but I can't remember the details! If I can find that article... I'll post a link here! But Im not looking for it tonight! Its been a very long, hard day down here in the Big Easy! I can barely keep the Yawns away!

I think that I am going to make some head to pillow contact and look at the back of my eyelids for 10 or 12 hours!

Chat with ya'll in the morning!:o

[Kam3]

aha! this arguement comes back! I had the same issue at first, as can be seen here (http://www.iaudiophile.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6001). lolos and notguilty somewhat explain, but im still a bit skeptical. apparently the U3 works well with certain headphone sensitivity and impedence.

[notguilty]

It's a generally meaningless spec (like GHz for PCs nowadays--it's not the most meaningful).

OK, screw the long explanation. It's time for Google:
http://www.headphone-amplifier.com/calculator.htm

It's voltage that makes volume (I have a sudden urge to find a V-word to alliterate with).