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 analogue 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.

The Linear USB II is a high-end headphone amplifier and streaming pre-amplifier for users who also want to play high-resolution audio files from a PC or Laptop.

What makes the Linear USB 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 USB II features three Gain settings up-to 20dB and 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 USB digital audio input.

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 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 USB 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 and Chrome finishes.

Specifications

HEADPHONE OUTPUT
2 x 6.3mm Jack
HEADPHONE AMP OUTPUT POWER
200mW @ 300 ohms
HEADPHONE AMP SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
(@ 0dB Gain) > 100 dB
HEADPHONE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
5 Ω
HEADPHONE AMP THD
(6mW / 300 ohms) < 0.001 %
HEADPHONE AMP FREQUENCY RESPONSE
10Hz (-0.3dB) - 35kHz (-1dB)
HEADPHONE AMP CHANNEL SEPARATION
> 70dB @ 10kHz
HEADPHONE AMP 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
DAC CHIP
ESS Sabre K2M
FILE LIMIT SUPPORT (DSD)
DSD128 (DoP)
FILE LIMIT SUPPORT (PCM)
32-bit, 384kHz
USB DIGITAL INPUT
1 x USB Type-B