Phones' amp direct to speakers

[Guitarist]

This is a bit nerdy, but I really like the simplicity of wiring up small speakers straight to the headphones amp for low volume listening. Don't get me wrong I have other alternatives like some trick Focals which flank me. Having tried a number of pairs this way, I often am surprised how well it works at 2/3 capability. or 1/2 Watt. Today I've hard wired (buds chopped off a headphone cable making it Y) some small Pioneers which are sounding excellent right now with a mac app, Boom, eq'd.

I might like to buy four full-range speakers and wire each side to 16Ω for this purpose. I suppose some super lightweights would be best and these are likely overkill [http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-...-ohm--290-224]. But there might be something better, any thoughts or recommendations?

[soundguruman]

The small power is really not enough to run speakers. You will need powered speakers for a level that low.
Powered computer speakers or powered studio monitors.
For about $30 -up you can get computer powered speakers.

The headphone level (from a headphone jack) with a volume control will be OK for the input of a powered speaker pair. It's made for that type input level.
Or just stick to small headphones, ear buds, etc....

The 1/2 watt output is not enough to run a full range speaker directly.

[Guitarist]

I hear what you're saying and those are better solutions. Still, 1/2 Watt is enough to run many speakers surprisingly even netting rather low distortion, albeit low volume. But enough for a small room! Anyone can sacrifice some earbuds, solder the ends for the speaker terminals and try—certainly better than laptop/phone speakers. Got some Megadeth rocking the desk here right now...