Lehmannaudio of Germany launched the Linear headphone amplifier in 2004,  now the classic design gets a complete audiophile overhaul.

Henley Audio, Lehmann’s UK distributor, have now announced the UK availability of the Linear’s new big brother – the Linear II. The Linear II is available in two different forms; the Linear USB II, for users who also want to play high-resolution audio from a PC or Laptop, and the Linear D II, for users who want to upgrade their DAC performance from alternative digital sources.

Class A Output Stage

The Lehmann Linear II has totally revised analogue circuitry. Featuring a discrete Class A output stage, high-grade Low-Z Copper technology across the PCB circuitry and specially selected components, like the oversized internal power supply and low-loss MKP precision capacitors. For easy system matching, each Linear II model features three Gain settings up-to 20dB and also benefits from two Neutrik headphone sockets with gold-plated contacts, which can be used simultaneously. The Left headphone output mutes the rear line-level RCA output when a headphone is connected. There is also an additional analogue RCA input for connecting more traditional line-level sources.

Linear II models can also function as streaming pre-amplifiers for a full hifi system (when Gain is set to 0dB and no headphone is connected). They have a metal housing with SSC damping feet, for effective decoupling from environmental and the factors, the aluminium faceplate is available in Black, Silver or Chrome (for an extra £100) finishes.

Lehmannaudio Linear USB II

The Linear USB II automatically detects any incoming USB audio data stream, without the need for an input selector switch. The technology employed utilises an ESS Sabre K2M DAC chip, capable of 32-bit / 384kHz playback and DSD support (DoP) for playback of very high-resolution digital audio files. The Linear USB II is £1,700.

Lehmannaudio Linear D II

Linear D II has Optical (Toslink) and Coaxial (RCA 75Ω) inputs, it automatically detects the playing audio (Optical input is prioritised) and converts the raw digital data using a sophisticated ESS Sabre K2M DAC chip. The Linear D II is also £1,700.

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