LINEAR USB II
Class A Perfection with 384 kHz / 32-bit USB DAC Integrated
Description ⌄
Linear II headphone amplifier with USB DAC — 384 kHz/32-bit upsampling and Low-Z Copper circuit board technology. The Linear USB II combines Lehmannaudio's reference-quality headphone amplifier circuit with an integrated asynchronous USB DAC, creating a single compact component for high-resolution computer audio. The USB input accepts up to 192kHz/24-bit PCM, operating in asynchronous mode where the Linear USB II serves as the clock master for minimal jitter. The analog section is fully discrete Class A, identical in architecture to the Linear II, delivering 400mW/60Ω with THD below 0.001% and SNR above 95dB. Four selectable gain settings ensure compatibility with any headphone. A preamplifier output allows connection to active loudspeakers. Dual Neutrik headphone outputs support two-headphone operation. Dimensions: 110×280×50mm.
Technical background
The Linear USB II combines the Linear SE's Low-Z Copper analogue board and Mundorf capacitors with a high-resolution USB DAC accepting signals up to 384 kHz/32-bit. The USB DAC feeds directly into the Linear's reference Class A output stage, ensuring the quality of the digital conversion is never the bottleneck in a desktop system.
Design story
Designed in Cologne as the definitive one-box answer for computer audio, the Linear USB II was developed when Lehmann Audio's engineering team recognised that the reference-class analogue platform deserved an equally capable digital front end — not a compromise USB interface, but a proper high-resolution DAC implementation.
Best for
Computer audiophiles wanting a premium USB DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamp in a single unit; those who want analogue and digital inputs in one minimalist box Computer audiophiles and desktop system builders who want reference-grade USB audio and headphone amplification in a single chassis USB DAC and reference headphone amplification from PC/Mac; hi-res streaming up to 384 kHz/32-bit; desktop reference system
Awards & press
⭐ N/A "Informative and even-handed sound with an organised and composed presentation." — What Hi-Fi? (4 stars) "The Linear USB II is the finest all-in-one USB DAC and headphone amplifier at its price — organised, composed and deeply musical." — What Hi-Fi? "Lehmann's Linear USB II combines reference-class analogue amplification with a state-of-the-art USB DAC — a complete desktop solution." — SoundStage! Network
Features ⌄
- 384 kHz/32-bit USB DAC — audiophile digital input
- Low-Z Copper analogue board with Mundorf capacitors
- 400 mW/60 Ω; 200 mW/300 Ω headphone output
- SNR >100 dB; THD <0.001%
- 384 kHz / 32-bit USB DAC; Low-Z Copper board; Mundorf capacitors
- 400 mW at 60 Ω; 200 mW at 300 Ω; SNR >100 dB; THD <0.001%