dCS Lina Headphone Amplifier

NEW: dCS Lina Deep Dive, Part 1: Drive -- An in-depth look at the design of the Lina Headphone Amplifier, exploring how dCS' engineers set out to create a versatile amp that can drive even the most demanding headphones to their full potential.

Whether you’re listening with custom IEMs or reference-level over-ears, the Lina Headphone Amplifier will ensure you experience the full impact of your chosen headphones, and your music. With its ultra-low output impedance, it confidently drives a vast range of designs, and adapts to suit their unique requirements and characteristics for optimal performance.

dCS’s first ever standalone amplifier, its design builds on learnings gained from their experience working at the forefront of audio design and engineering, and developing a custom Class A headphone amplifier for the award-winning dCS Bartok Headphone DAC. Following the Bartok’s release, dCS set out to further their work in headphone amplification, and engineer a standalone component that could be used separately or as part of a complete dCS headfi system.

Through exhaustive development, extensive testing, and creative thinking, dCS developed an all-new design that combines tried and tested features with novel innovations engineered to further enhance performance and efficiency.  

The result is an exemplary headphone amplifier that delivers plenty of power and grip, while maintaining complete neutrality. With its low noise floor, wide dynamic range and excellent linearity, it delivers a compelling, dynamic experience that reveals the true sound and character of your music and headphones.

• Low output impedance ensures optimal sound with a huge range of headphones - including highly sensitive models.
• Solid state design provides consistent, clean performance.
• Choice of inputs caters to a variety of digital sources and audio setups.
• Class AB design with DC servo system delivers high power efficiency and excellent linearity.
• Billet Aluminum chassis reduces risk of electromagnetic interference.
• Transparent performance faithfully mirrors the sound of your chosen music and headphones.

• Product Dimensions / Weight: 121.5mm (H) x 220mm (W) x 356mm (D) / 7.5kg
  
• Finish: Black machined aluminium
  
• Electronics: Pure analog design; automatic voltage switching
  
• Analog Inputs
• 1 x stereo pair unbalanced RCA, input impedance 48kΩ
• 1 x stereo pair unbuffered balanced XLR, input impedance 16kΩ
• 1 x stereo pair buffered balanced XLR, input impedance 96kΩ
  
• Headphone Outputs
• 1 x dual 3-pin balanced XLR, right and left channel
• 1 x single 4-pin balanced XLR
• 1 x single ¼” (6.35mm) headphone jack
• Power Link (synchronizing on/off state with other products): 2 x RJ45
• Power: 90-120v & 230-240v, 50/60Hz nominal
• Frequency Response: 1Hz-100kHz better than +0/-3dB
• THD+N: <0.005% @ 1kHz 6V rms balanced putput into 30 ohm (80kHz bandwidth)
• Channel Separation: Balanced input to balanced output into 30Ω. Better than 100dB @ 1kHz. Better than 80dB, 20Hz–20kHz.
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 110dB 20Hz-20kHz A-weighted (referenced to 6V dms balanced input and output)
• Power Output
• 2x Balanced 2W into 30Ω
• 2x Balanced 0.48W into 300Ω
• 2x Unbalanced 1.6W into 30Ω
• 2x Unbalanced 0.2W into 300Ω
• Included with Lina Headphone Amplifier: 1 x mains cable; 2 x XLR (0.5m); 1 x Ethernet cable (2m); 1 x Power Link cable (0.5m)