Lehmann Audio Linear II black

Lehmann Audio Linear II, Hi-Fi Headphone Preamplifier

The Lehmann Audio Linear II is a high-fidelity headphone amplifier and preamplifier that builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, the original Linear, which has been a reference model in the audio community since 2004. The Linear II is designed to deliver an authentic and dynamic listening experience, suitable for both professional use and audiophiles.

Design and Build Quality

The Linear II features a compact and elegant design, with a chassis available in silver, black, or chrome finishes. The front panel is minimalist, housing a volume control knob and two headphone outputs. The unit is constructed with high-quality materials, including gold-plated Neutrik headphone jacks and Teflon-insulated RCA sockets, ensuring durability and reliable performance.

Sound Performance

The Linear II is renowned for its detailed and lucid sound reproduction, offering an effortless listening experience even at high signal levels. The device is capable of reproducing complex musical pieces with few artifacts, redefining vividness in sound reproduction. This allows for extended listening sessions without fatigue, ensuring the greatest pleasure for the listener.

Technology and Features

Equipped with an elaborately designed PCB in Low-Z copper technology, the Linear II’s Class-A output stage plays dynamically, bringing listeners closer to the music. Mundorf capacitors in the power supply and signal path contribute to impressive room imaging and transient response. The device’s 3S feet ensure maximum mechanical tranquility.

The Linear II offers three gain settings (0 dB, 10 dB, 18 dB, 20 dB) selectable via DIP switches, accommodating a wide range of headphones with different performance needs and sensitivity levels. It can drive both high and low impedance headphones, making it versatile for various listening preferences.

Connectivity and Versatility

The Linear II can serve as a preamplifier, connecting to active speakers or a power amplifier, delivering its ultimate performance. It features an analog RCA input for traditional line-level sources and can function as a streaming preamplifier when the gain is set to 0 dB and no headphones are connected.

Benefits

• Detailed and lucid sound reproduction for an authentic listening experience
• Effortless performance at high signal levels, suitable for extended listening sessions
• Reproduction of complex musical pieces with few artifacts for in-depth audio analysis
• Versatile gain settings to accommodate a wide range of headphones
• High-quality components and construction for durability and reliability
• Can function as a preamplifier for active speakers or power amplifiers
• Compact and elegant design that integrates well into any setup

Technical Specifications

Construction

• Low-impedance copper printed circuit board, Class A output stage
• Mundorf capacitors on the power supply and signal path
• 3S anti-vibration feet for optimal mechanical isolation

Audio Performance

• Input impedance: 47 kΩ
• Adjustable gain: 0 dB, 10 dB, 18 dB, 20 dB via multi-position switches (DIP)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz (−0.3 dB) to 35 kHz (−1 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB at 0 dB gain
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.001% at 6 mW / 300 Ω
• Channel separation: > 70 dB at 10 kHz

Power and Impedance

• Output power:
  • 400 mW / 60 Ω
  • 200 mW / 300 Ω
• Output impedance:
  • Preamplification: 60 Ω
  • Headphones: 5 Ω

Connectivity

• Gold-plated Neutrik headphone jacks
• 1 preamplification output
• 2 headphone outputs
• Gold-plated RCA jacks with polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) insulation
• Compatible with headphones (single or dual), active speakers, or power amplifiers

Physical Characteristics

• Power consumption: 10 W
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 110 × 280 × 50 mm
• Net weight: 1.5 kg