Headphones amplifiers — Lehmann Audio Linear SE

The Linear SE is a headphone amplifier from Lehmann Audio, closely matched to the Linear D in power and specification with a different chassis. This model shares essentially the same core circuit as the Linear D, differentiated primarily by physical format rather than any meaningful difference in measured performance.

Position in line

It sits alongside the Linear D in Lehmann Audio's headphone amplifier range, near-identical in specification but housed in a larger, heavier chassis. The Drachenfels sits below both as the brand's compact entry model, giving Lehmann Audio a coherent three-model lineup spanning compact-and-modest through to substantial-and-powerful within a single headphone amplifier category.

Key specs that matter

Maximum power is 400 mW into 60 ohms, matching the Linear D exactly. Gain is switchable across 0, 10, 18 and 20 dB, also identical to the Linear D. Distortion is under 0.001% at 1V RMS into 300 ohms, again matching the Linear D. Signal-to-noise exceeds 100 dB. At 120 x 296 x 59 mm and 2.2 kg it is heavier than the Linear D, the additional weight likely reflecting a more substantial power supply transformer or simply a larger, more solidly built enclosure around the same core electronics.

Sound and use context

Expect the same clean, low-distortion presentation as the Linear D, delivered from a larger, heavier chassis - buyers should not expect any meaningful sonic difference between these two models given how closely their published figures align, so the choice between them is really a matter of chassis size and desk footprint preference.

Pairing

The switchable gain settings suit both efficient and less sensitive headphones without an external attenuator, exactly as with the Linear D.

Alternatives

The Linear D shares near-identical specification in a lighter chassis. The Drachenfels sits below both as Lehmann Audio's compact entry model, worth considering instead if a pocketable footprint matters more than the additional power these two Linear-series models offer. Given how closely these two models measure on paper, a brief comparison of the two chassis in person, where a dealer stocks both, is the most practical way to decide between them based purely on physical footprint and desk space rather than any expected difference in sound quality. Overall this remains a sensible choice for a buyer specifically preferring the larger chassis footprint.