RSV vs Studio4: which needs more amplifier?

The Softears RSV is 8Ω at 104.0 dB/mW; the Softears Studio4 is 12Ω at 103.8 dB/mW. This page is only about what they ask of an amplifier — not how they sound, which no specification on either sheet can tell you.

In amplifier terms these two are the same headphone. The gap between what they need for 100 dB is under half a decibel, which is smaller than the step between two clicks of most volume controls.

The numbers that decide it

SpecificationRSVStudio4
Impedance8 Ω12 Ω
Sensitivity104.0 dB/mW103.8 dB/mW
Sensitivity (voltage)125.0 dB/V123.0 dB/V
Power for 100 dB0.40 mW0.42 mW
Voltage for 100 dB56 mV71 mV
Current for 100 dB7.1 mA5.9 mA
Highest source impedance
that leaves them alone (one-eighth rule)
1.00 Ω1.50 Ω
Sources that reach 100 dB
out of 280
280280

Where the two part company

Every source in the database that drives one of them drives the other. On power, the choice between these two changes nothing about what amplifier you need.

7 sources are low enough in output impedance for the Studio4 under the one-eighth rule but not for the RSV (FiiO K11, FiiO BTR7, FiiO M11S, 4 more).

5 sources stay below the audible-hiss threshold with the Studio4 but cross it with the RSV (Lake People G103-S Mk II, Lake People G111 Mk II, RME Babyface Pro FS, 2 more).

280 of the 280 sources here reach 100 dB on both. That count is about power only — the output-impedance and hiss lines above are separate questions, and a source can pass this one and fail those.

Both pages in full

Each model has a page of its own with the full source list, the hiss estimate and the provenance of every figure above: Softears RSV and Softears Studio4. Every figure on this page comes from what Softears published, or is derived from it — what that maker publishes, counted.