[gallois]

Why isn't is possible to drive headphones from an AV receiver's main outputs using a 2xphono male to 2.5/3.5mm stereo female lead?

I can't find that type of lead so it must be impossible, but I can't seem to think why. Is it because the power to too great for headphones? It seems a much better solution than using the lower quality headphone out sockets on most AV receivers.

[StevieDvd]

The most likely lead would be 2 x rca out to a single 3.5mm male. The rca connections are a line-out feed and would be expected to be connected to the line-in of an amp, as such the level is fixed. So the volume would be static, and as headphone impedances some could be too loud others too quiet.

You can of course connect a headphone amp, even a budget one, to these sockets and get volume control.

[gallois]

That would be interesting to try - I have a Fiio E5 on order, wonder what the difference would be running from the headphone out or Via a dedicated AV output out the back. Will give it a try when I get my hands on it.