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Lehmann Audio Linear USB II
Since 2004 the Linear has thrilled all music lovers who expect their hi-fi amplifiers to perform at their best also with headphones. Can this success story still be surpassed? Yes, it can – and how!
The Linear USB II comes up with a digital-analogue converter of the latest generation and a fully revised analog board using the high-grade Low-Z Copper technology. Physical, punchy lows and a filigree resolution over the entire frequency bandwidth: you will never again consider your headphones just as a makeshift solution.
Best of both worlds
Keeping an eye on your needs at any time, the Linear USB II delivers an impressive listening enjoyment due to its three gain settings – even with the most diverse headphones on very different sound sources. As a headphone amplifier and preamp it joins the carefully selected components and sophisticated circuitry of our crowd favourite, the Linear, with the digital world.
Enjoy your musical treasures from PC, Mac or even your mobile phone in audiophile quality. The Linear USB II automatically detects an incoming USB audio data stream and does without an input selector switch. For double listening pleasure our new champion is ready to feed two headphones simultaneously and as a streaming preamp, it also spurs on your active loudspeakers to play with amazing vigour.
3S damping feet decouple the Linear USB II from its base and bring about quietness. In every situation a fabulous sound, always striving for perfection – that’s our Linear USB II.
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Lehmann Audio Linear USB II
Lehmann Audio's Linear USB II condenses world-class DAC and headphone amplification into a compact, desktop-friendly chassis. Reviewers from HiFi News and SoundStage Solo praised its combination of crystalline clarity and precise control, driven by an ESS Sabre K2M DAC and a discrete Class‑A headphone stage. The sound favours detailed retrieval, energetic yet controlled dynamics and a coherent, surprisingly spacious image—equally at home with large-scale orchestral works and intimate vocal recordings. Build quality is robust and thoughtful, featuring a toroidal transformer, quality Neutrik jacks, auto analogue/digital switching and bottom-mounted DIP gain options for headphone matching. Ideal for serious desktop listeners who want a simple, high-performance DAC/headphone amp; its main trade-offs are limited digital I/O and the absence of balanced outputs or a remote. See also the assessment from What Hi‑Fi?.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity, resolution and musicality driven by the ESS Sabre K2M DAC and discrete Class‑A headphone stage.
- Powerful, controlled dynamics and ample headroom—handles orchestral climaxes and demanding headphones without audible strain; selectable gain aids matching.
- Solid, thoughtful build and practical desktop features — toroidal PSU, quality Neutrik jacks, auto input switching and RCA pre-outs for use as a compact preamp.
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Cons
- Limited digital connectivity on the USB-only version tested and no balanced outputs, reducing flexibility for users wanting multiple digital inputs or balanced chains.
- Premium asking price for a relatively simple feature set—excellent performance but cost may deter buyers seeking extra I/O or balanced outputs.
Sound Quality
90/100
Multiple reviews highlight excellent control and liveliness: HiFi News praised its 'masterful control' and 'sheer energy' on orchestral crescendos, and SoundStage noted the amp never sounded strained even when pushed. The unit provides convincing macro- and micro-dynamic contrast and solid headroom for most desktop headphones.
Noise Floor
90/100
No reviewer reported audible hiss; the spec sheet lists SNR >100dB at 0dB gain and the output stage is solid‑state with an internal toroidal PSU, supporting a very quiet background. Although reviewers did not use the phrase 'black background', the lack of hiss reports plus the high SNR justify a high score suitable for most IEMs and all full‑size headphones.
Headphone Compatibility
87/100
Good power (400mW/60Ω, 200mW/300Ω), selectable gains (0/10/18/20dB) and two front 6.35mm outputs let it drive a wide range of headphones; reviewers reported it could drive demanding cans though Brent Butterworth had to raise gain ~10dB and run volume high for HE6se. Output impedance is 5Ω (phones out), so while it handles most headphones well, sub‑1Ω IEM matching is not ideal.
Build Quality
91/100
Build and finishing receive direct praise: HFN noted 'great attention to detail' and the use of a toroidal transformer and dual‑mono layout, while What Hi‑Fi called the finish 'as good as we’ve come to expect'. The robust chassis, quality connectors and smooth volume control reflect careful engineering.
Features Connectivity
91/100
Baseline design augmented by a high-quality ESS Sabre K2M DAC (+5), USB input (+2), RCA preouts (+1), two front headphone jacks (+1) and multi‑position DIP gain control (3+ levels, +2). Automatic analogue/digital switching and the ability to mute pre-outs via the left jack add practical desktop-friendly functionality; the unit lacks balanced outputs and streaming features.
Value for Money
86/100
At the $1,999 price reviewers called it 'pricey' (SoundStage) but praised its simplicity and performance: HFN framed it as 'world-class', and What Hi‑Fi highlighted flexibility versus rivals. Overall sentiment is that it’s a premium, well‑built product that justifies its asking price for buyers who want a compact, high‑quality DAC/headamp, though some may find it expensive compared with simpler alternatives.
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