LINEAR
The Class A Reference That Defined a Generation of Headphone Amplifiers
Description ⌄
Lehmann Audio Linear — reference headphone amplifier. The Linear is Lehmannaudio's flagship desktop headphone amplifier — a reference-class, wholly discrete design that has defined the brand's engineering philosophy since its launch in 2004. The Class A output stage draws from a dual-rail power supply fed by a magnetically shielded toroidal transformer, delivering 400mW into 60Ω and 200mW into 300Ω with vanishingly low distortion (THD <0.001%). Four selectable gain settings (0/10/18/20dB via internal DIP switches) ensure compatibility with everything from high-sensitivity IEMs to demanding planar-magnetic headphones. Two Neutrik headphone outputs allow simultaneous two-headphone listening, and a dedicated pre-output enables use with active loudspeakers. SNR exceeds 95dB; frequency response spans 10Hz–35kHz. Multiple faceplate finishes available. Dimensions: 110×280×50mm; weight: 1.5kg. Winner of the Goldenes Ohr award (AUDIO 2012) and Best Headphone Amplifier at CanJam Europe 2017.
Technical background
The Linear employs a fully discrete Class A output stage with zero global negative feedback, operating at high quiescent current to minimise distortion. Its unity-gain preamplifier architecture provides three RCA inputs with a dedicated volume control, making it equally effective as a headphone amplifier or system preamplifier. The separate power supply option (PWX II) eliminates mains interference from the signal path entirely.
Design story
Introduced in the early 2000s, the Linear became an industry benchmark almost immediately — earning consistent five-star and reference-class reviews across two decades of production. Designed entirely in Cologne, it was built around the conviction that circuit simplicity and component quality, not complexity, deliver the most musical result.
Best for
Mid-level audiophile headphone users; recording engineers wanting a reference-class desktop amplifier; those who value studio-proven transparency over coloured sound Professional engineers and audiophiles requiring absolute reference-grade transparency; owners of high-impedance headphones (Sennheiser HD 600, HD 800, Beyerdynamic T1) Reference headphone amplification; unity-gain preamplifier for loudspeaker systems; studio monitoring; desktop reference system
Awards & press
⭐ Multiple test winner across European hi-fi press; reference tool for WDR (West German Broadcasting), Sennheiser, and AKG headphone development teams "A very fine headphone amplifier that measures well and delivers unusually clear insight into the how and why of music making." — SoundStage! Network, February 2005 "The Linear remains one of the finest headphone amplifiers money can buy — a true long-term reference." — Headfonia "Twenty years on, the Linear still sets the standard for discrete Class A headphone amplification." — SoundStage! Network
Features ⌄
- Award-winning Class A headphone amplifier and integrated preamplifier made in Germany
- Supports 6.3mm headphone and balanced 4-pin XLR; RCA and balanced XLR line outputs for loudspeaker systems
- Unity-gain preamplifier with multiple line inputs and dedicated volume control for desk or rack installation
- 100 mW at 600 Ω; 400 mW at 33 Ω — drives any headphone effortlessly
- Inputs: 3× RCA line; Outputs: 6.3mm + 4-pin XLR balanced + 2× RCA pre-out