The headphone output on your device is designed to drive headphones, which have an impedance of typically 32-600 ohms. Speakers, on the other hand, have a much lower impedance of typically 4-8 ohms. This means that the output level of the headphone jack may be too low to drive speakers directly.
Impedance mismatch
The headphone jack on your device may not have the same impedance as the input of your power amp. This could cause a mismatch in impedance, which could lead to sound quality problems.
Frequency response
The headphone jack on your device may not have the same frequency response as the input of your power amp. This could cause the sound to be rolled off at the high and low frequencies.
How to connect a headphone output to a power amp
To connect a headphone output to a power amp, you will need a cable with a 3.5mm male connector on one end and a pair of RCA male connectors on the other end. You can find these cables at most electronics stores.
Once you have the cable, simply connect the 3.5mm male connector to the headphone output on your device and connect the RCA male connectors to the input of your power amp. Then, turn on your device and power amp and adjust the volume to your liking.
Using a preamp
If you find that the volume is too low, you can use a preamp to boost the signal. A preamp is a device that amplifies the signal from a source device before it is sent to the power amp. You can find preamps at most electronics stores.
Using a volume attenuator
If you are using a high-powered power amp, you may need to use a volume attenuator to reduce the output level of the headphone jack. A volume attenuator is a device that reduces the level of a signal. You can find volume attenuators at most electronics stores.
Conclusion
Overall, connecting a headphone output to a power amp is a relatively straightforward process. However, it is important to keep the potential problems in mind and take steps to minimize them.
Is it recommended?
In general, it is not recommended to connect a headphone output to a power amp. This is because power amps are designed to drive speakers, which have a much lower impedance than headphones. As a result, the power amp may put out too much power for the headphones, which could damage them.
Additionally, power amps are not typically designed to provide the high-quality sound that audiophiles look for in headphones. Power amps typically have a high output impedance, which can cause distortion in headphones.
If you are serious about listening to music on headphones, then it is best to use a headphone amp. Headphone amps are designed to drive headphones and provide high-quality sound.
