With the introduction of the Linear in 2004, Lehmannaudio raised the sound quality of headphone amplifiers to a new level. The Drachenfels now represents a new generation of headphone amps: our champion with an entry-level price tag scores with leading-edge technology and, owing to its modular options, can be matched to ever new situations. With regard to sound it’s particularly the tremendous wealth of detail that strikes the ear, together with a perfect control of what’s going on. Even in the thickest musical hurly-burly the structure remains discernible at any time and every detail clear-cut.
The modular design with cutting-edge components opens long-term perspectives for quality-minded music lovers who have demands on sustainability. No matter if streaming via WLAN or ethernet, linking Bluetooth sources or conventional digital players – owing to modular pc boards, which are available at short notice, the Drachenfels gives the right answer to all of these requirements. Even with the advent of new digital standards, a simple swapping of both module and rear panel will enable an upgrade!
The Drachenfels offers 12dB of practice-oriented gain which, due to the smooth running ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer with excellent synchronism and the ultra low-noise circuit, dispenses with the need for a gain switch. The power switch located on the front reduces the power consumption in standby mode to an eco-friendly value of less than 1 W. Moreover, its space-saving dimensions offer you plenty of placing options for the Drachenfels. Use it as a headphone amplifier or preamp and discover the happiness of intense music listening.
Drachenfels D
The Drachenfels D complements the detailed, light-footed sound of the analogue model by a digital-analogue converter of the latest generation. The Sabre DAC from ESS on the quad-layer circuit board, which is optimised against RF interference, offers both digital S/PDIF and TOSLINK inputs. Low-loss mica caps on the mainboard and in the analogue filter of the converter as well as ultra fast amplifier stages on the converter board guarantee reference quality in transient reproduction. Enjoy your digital musical treasures from a streamer or CD player in full Lehmannaudio quality!
Drachenfels USB
A new way of hearing digital music: the USB version of the Drachenfels plays back your music files from PC, Mac or even mobile phone in audiophile quality. The Drachenfels USB automatically recognises an incoming USB audio data stream and needs no input selector switch. Whether from a digital or analogue source – our compact local hero lets you experience your favourite music with a wealth of details in a fatigue-free, thrilling manner. Never again will you regard your headphones as a makeshift solution.
The impressing technical details of the Drachenfels.
| Drachenfels | |
| Input impedance | 47 kohms |
| Maximum gain | 12 dB with maximum potentiometer setting |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz (-0.3 dB) to 35 kHz (-1 dB) |
| Signal to noise ratio | > 85 dB at gain 0 dB |
| THD | < 0,006 % at 18 mW/330 ohms |
| Channel separation | > 80 dB at 10 kHz |
| Output power | 330 ohms/110 mW 33 ohms/180 mW |
| Output impedance | pre-out 105 ohms phones out 5 ohms |
| Connectors audio | Neutrik headphone sockets with gold-plated contacts 1 x pre-out 2 x phones out Line in/pre-out: RCA |
| Power consumption | app. 4 W through external wide range wall power supply (without any optional pc board) |
| Outer dimensions W x D x H | 160 mm x 120 mm x 43 mm (audio section) |
| Weight | 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs.) net (audio section) |
| Input impedance | |
| 47 kohms | |
| Maximum gain | |
| 12 dB with maximum potentiometer setting | |
| Frequency response | |
| 10 Hz (-0.3 dB) to 35 kHz (-1 dB) | |
| Signal to noise ratio | |
| > 85 dB at gain 0 dB | |
| THD | |
| < 0,006 % at 18 mW/330 ohms | |
| Channel separation | |
| > 80 dB at 10 kHz | |
| Output power | |
| 330 ohms/110 mW 33 ohms/180 mW |
|
| Output impedance | |
| pre-out 105 ohms phones out 5 ohms |
|
| Connectors audio | |
| Neutrik headphone sockets with gold-plated contacts 1 x pre-out 2 x phones out Line in/pre-out: RCA |
|
| Power consumption | |
| app. 4 W through external wide range wall power supply (without any optional pc board) | |
| Outer dimensions W x D x H | |
| 160 mm x 120 mm x 43 mm (audio section) | |
| Weight | |
| 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs.) net (audio section) | |
The Drachenfels is available with two faceplate finishes.
Aluminium (silver)
"It’s difficult to characterise the sound quality of this device – because it’s so neutral. And I mean that in a good way. It contributes no audible noise or distortion, and tonal colouration is conspicuous by its absence. Control of volume was impeccable across the available range with no audible shifts in imaging or tonal impairments."
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"During extensive listening checks, in particular with a Beyerdynamic DT880, the Lehmannaudio turned out to be an outstanding headphone amplifier, but could also stand its ground as a mini preamp when compared to proven competitors from Cyrus to Meridian from the author’s stock. Its rhythmically agile, yet at the same time cultivated verve rouses spontaneous enthusiasm."
Read the whole article (PDF)
