And that means we’re happy to proclaim the Lehmann Linear USB as the perfect HD800 partner, for those who don’t want to spend almost twice as much on the headphone amp as they did on the headphones. - HIFI Plus
Turn your computer into a High End audio source!
The Linear USB built-in DAC is meticulously built with an integrated Burr Brown DAC and separate voltage regulators of highest quality. The USB connector is only used to transport the signal and not as a power supply.
The Linear USB is a high end headphone amplifier that will satisfy even the highest requirements for quality headphone music reproduction.
The selectable gain (0 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB) of the Linear USB effectively optimizes the output level of the zero global feedback Class A output stage. Practically all high quality dynamic headphones available will show their best possible performance. Carefully selected top notch components and a highly sophisticated circuit design guarantee top performance listening pleasure.
For stereo setups consiting of your computer and an additional analog source like a CD player or a turntable with a phono stage the Linear USB is the simplest and most effective active preamp one can think of. You don't even have to care about input switching because the unit detects the USB audio signal automatically!
The faceplate and the massive milled aluminium knob for the smooth running 27 mm ALPS high grade volume control are available in anodized black or silver.
Key Features:
Class-A output stage with zero global feedback
Excellent sonic performance
USB-input for computers from USB 1.0 and upwards, works with sample rates up to 48kHz
Additional analogue input with RCA and 3,5mm jack connectors with loop through
Automatic input selection with USB prioritisation
Maximum gain selectable up to 20dB for the use with practically all dynamic headphones
Double sided audio board layout for optimal parts placement and trace routing
Burr Brown audio grade components
Only Low-ESR electrolytic capacitors
Gold plated RCA audio connectors
Highly sophisticated, clean power supply. USB is used for data transfer only.
Nonmagnetic case (aluminium)
For more on the traditional headphone playback attributes of this model, find out more about the Black Cube Linear here.
In terms of sound quality, it’s the perfect partner for the Sennheiser HD800. It’s rugged, can drive to very high levels without distortion or complaint, it’s tonally neutral, dynamic, fast and very, very detailed. Take away the HD800 and replace them with more humble cans (Sony MDR-7506, Grado SR-60 mk II) and the same detailed and accurate presentation follows across. As does the ability to go really loud without complaint – in short, the Lehmann s the perfect headphone partner - HIFI Plus
I have a few high-end headphone amps in my current collection, and have experienced many more. So far, Linear USB's authoritative power and control is unmatched. Throw any dynamic driver headphones at the Linear USB and you should get a glimpse of that headphone's maximum performance. -Audio360
"I can only classify it as "Highly Recommended." If you're in the market for a high-end headphone amp, you must audition this piece. It's a winner." Click Here to read the entire review!
"As a headphone amplifier it utterly outperforms anything you’ll get on a computer tower." - Sound + Image Magazine, May/June 2008
"Listening through the speakers (so using the Lehmann as a USB DAC and preamp), the sound quality was again the equal of a good CD player with uncompressed source music, and again a revelation in allowing compressed files the opportunity to perform to their full ability. With the bonus of allowing hi-fi output of DVD soundtracks (and any other computer audio), plus the handy headphone option, this is an unassuming product capable of massively upgrading the sound from your computer music collection." - Sound + Image
"The Linear may look unprepossessing but it’s a very fine headphone amplifier indeed. It measures well and delivers unusually clear insight into the ‘how?’ and ‘why?’ aspects of music making, not just the ‘what?’." - HIFI News Outstanding Product Award
"Of all the companies out there manufacturing hi-fi it was probably Lehmann who was the first to really make a reputation, and ultimately a business by becoming well known almost entirely through the internet." TNT Audio
If you've a top-class pair of headphones the Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear headphone amp is a deeply impressive device - WHAT Hifi
My time with the Black Cube Linear left me enlightened. I now understand what the headphone craze is about -- and how good headphones can sound. I’m ready for more! Soundstage
Technical Data:
Input Impedance: 47Kohms
Max. Gain (Switchable): 0dB, 10dB, 20dB
Frequency Response: 10 Hz (-0.3 dB) to 35 kHz (-1 dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio: >95 dB At 0 dB Gain (Analogue)
THD: <0.001 % At 6 mW/300 ohms
Channel Separation: >70 dB/10 kHz
Power Consumption: App. 10 W,
Internal Regulated Power Supply
With Anti-Interference Toroidal Transformer
Output Power: 200 mW/300 ohms
400 mW/60 ohms
Output Impedance: Line Out - 60 ohms
Headphone Out - 5 ohms
Dimensions: 280 x 110 x 44 mm³
Connectors: Neutrik Headphone Sockets
6.35mm With Gold-Plated Contacts
1x Parallel To Line Out
1x Line Out Muting
Gold Plated RCA Sockets With Teflon Insulation
Weight: App 1.5Kg
USB Sampling Rate (Digital): Up To 48 kHz
USB Resolution: 16 Bit
Max. Voltage USB - DAC: 1 V eff
Our line of legendary products made in Germany. All of our high-end phono preamplifiers are MM/MC-capable and have a configurable impedance.
Engineered by a musician and manufactured in Germany; Lehmann Audio is one of the world’s best-kept audiophile secrets.
With a precision-engineered range of quality phono stages and headphone amplifiers including digital-USB models, all Lehmann products are designed to reproduce the original sound recording as perfectly as possible.
Reviewed well by the critics, and used by the rest of the industry as reference equipment, Lehmann Audio is a brand everyone interested in high-end sound should look out for.
