LINEAR D
Linear SE Meets ESS Sabre K2M — Analogue and Digital in Perfect Unity
Description ⌄
Hybrid headphone amplifier and preamplifier with ESS Sabre DAC — automatic digital/analogue input switching. The Linear D is Lehmannaudio's full-featured digital-to-analogue converter and headphone amplifier, offering multiple digital inputs alongside the discrete Class A amplifier circuit of the Linear series. Coaxial S/PDIF, optical TOSLINK, and asynchronous USB inputs accept high-resolution digital sources up to 192kHz/24-bit, feeding a precision DAC stage before the fully discrete analog output. The amplifier section delivers 400mW/60Ω and 200mW/300Ω (THD <0.001%, SNR >95dB) with four selectable gain settings (0/10/18/20dB). Dual Neutrik headphone outputs and a variable preamplifier output make the Linear D a complete digital source and amplification hub for desktop or headphone-focused systems. Dimensions: 110×280×50mm.
Technical background
The Linear D integrates an ESS Sabre K2M DAC module — supporting TOSLINK and S/PDIF inputs up to 192 kHz/24-bit — into the Linear SE's Low-Z Copper analogue board. Automatic digital/analogue input switching removes the need for manual source selection, and the line output enables use as a streaming preamplifier driving a separate power amplifier.
Design story
Developed in Cologne as a response to the growing number of listeners whose primary source is a digital streamer or television, the Linear D adds a properly implemented digital front end to the reference Linear platform — not an afterthought, but a full ESS Sabre implementation with automatic source management.
Best for
Audiophiles wanting a German-precision integrated preamplifier with built-in DAC; those building a compact high-quality system around efficient speakers Digital source users wanting Lehmann analogue quality; streamer and TV owners requiring a headphone-capable DAC-amplifier Combined DAC and headphone amplification with TOSLINK/S/PDIF input; streaming preamplifier with line output; desk-based digital audio system
Awards & press
⭐ N/A N/A "The Linear D is an accomplished all-in-one that brings Lehmann's analogue expertise to the digital domain." — SoundStage! Network "Automatic input switching is a genuine convenience — and the sound from the Sabre DAC into the Linear stage is excellent." — Headfonia
Features ⌄
- ESS Sabre K2M DAC — TOSLINK + S/PDIF digital inputs, 192 kHz/24-bit
- Automatic digital/analogue switching — no manual input selection needed
- 400 mW/60 Ω headphone output; also functions as streaming preamp
- Low-Z Copper analogue board with low-loss mica capacitors
- ESS Sabre K2M DAC — TOSLINK + S/PDIF; 192 kHz/24-bit; automatic input switching
- 400 mW at 60 Ω headphone output; also functions as streaming preamplifier