Can I Use a Pure Preamp as a Headphone Amp?

Equipment / Electronics / Gear / Accessories Headphone Amps
1

Specifically my Mark Levinson No. 26 Preamp, which was manufactured in the 90’s.

Here are the specs:

THD: less than 0.005%
IMD: less than 0.005%
RIAA accuracy: <0.2dB. Maximum output: greater than 13V (balanced)
Output Impedance: 10 Ohms
Recommend Load for Tape Outputs: 10,000 Ohms

Will it damage my headphones if i plug them in through the balanced outputs with two individual XLR 3-Pin -> 3.5mm TRS cables?

The headphones that I would like to use with the No.26:

  • Focal Clear
  • Hifiman Ananda
  • Fostex TR-X00 (PH)

A heartful thanks to anyone who knows anything about this and is willing to help.

2

Not the best idea, the focals might work. The main issue is that those outputs are designed to be connected to a high impedance input, driving headphones is a completely different task. Get a headphone amp.

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