Linear D II  Since Lehmannaudio turned the “emergency exit” of classic hi-fi amplifiers into a gate to a new musical perception with their Linear back in 2004, headphone outputs with frustrating sound have become a thing of the past. The Linear D in its topical mkII version demonstrates that there’s always room for improvement: its digital-analogue converter of the latest generation and its thoroughly revised analogue board let you experience all-new horizons when listening to your favourite music – goose bumps guaranteed.

The Linear D II is a high-end headphone amplifier and streaming pre-amplifier for users who also want to get the best sound from their digital audio sources.

What makes the Linear D II so special is its totally revised analogue circuitry. Featuring a discrete Class A output stage, for an open and natural sound, 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 – the new model delivers physical, punchy lows and startling resolution in an open and natural soundstage over the entire frequency bandwidth, allowing your headphones to fulfil their highest potential.

For easy system matching, the Linear D II 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, but its main appeal is in the high-resolution digital audio inputs.

Linear D II guarantees the highest performance from your existing digital sources. With Optical (Toslink) and Coaxial (RCA 75?) 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 also functions very well as a streaming pre-amplifier for a full hi-fi system (when Gain is set to 0dB, and no headphone is connected). With the auto-input detection and sophisticated internal layout, it offers a simple-yet-high-end solution that can easily drive long cables toward a power amplifier or active speakers.

The Linear D II is truly a reference class pre-amplifier for all dynamic headphones. Utilising a sturdy metal housing with SSC damping feet, for effective decoupling from environmental factors, the aluminium faceplate is available in Black, Silver or Chrome finishes.

OUTPUTS  2 x 6.3mm Jack
OUTPUT POWER  200mW @ 300 ohms
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO  (@ 0dB Gain) > 100 dB
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE  5 Ω
THD  (6mW / 300 ohms) < 0.001 %
FREQUENCY RESPONSE  10Hz (-0.3dB) - 35kHz (-1dB)
CHANNEL SEPARATION  > 70dB @ 10kHz
GAIN  0, 10, 18 or 20 dB
VARIABLE ANALOGUE OUTPUT(S)  1 x RCA Pair
MAXIMUM POWER CONSUMPTION  10 W
DIMENSIONS (W X H X D)  110 x 50 x 280 mm
WEIGHT  1.5 kg
OPTICAL INPUT(S)  1
COAXIAL INPUT(S)  1
DAC CHIP  ESS Sabre K2M
FILE LIMIT SUPPORT (PCM)  24-bit, 192kHz