Disclaimer: The Lehmann Audio Drachenfels amplifier was handed to me free of charge during the Canjam Berlin Headphone show. The unit doesn’t need to be returned.
Lehmann Audio
I don’t really think Lehmann Audios till needs an introduction. The German company was founded in 1988 and Mr. Lehmann up to today has released several award winning top quality units. I can’t imagine someone has never heard of the Linear headphone amplifier series. Maybe the name doesn’t ring a bell right away, but I’m sure the typical amplifier look does.
//www.lehmannaudio.com
Lehmannaudio Vertriebs GmbH was founded in 1988 by the young student of audio engineering, Norbert Lehmann, in Cologne, Germany. Mr. Lehmann has a passion for detail and quality and that has resulted in the Lehmannaudio product line. Made in Germany.
More Lehmann history, including an overview of all their successful models can be found here: //www.lehmannaudio.com/about.html
Drachenfels
Mr. Lehmann calls the Drachenfels amplifier a versatile champion with high ambitions. While some would say that’s just the marketeer or proud owner talking, there’s actually a lot of truth in it. I’ve been using the Drachenfels amplifier for months now on a daily basis and it hasn’t let me down a single time.
The Drachenfels is the first amplifier I try all of the new incoming gear with and even when I’m just listening to music for fun during the day [yes that still does happen], the Drachenfels is the amplifier I end up using on my work desk. You can find out all about the Drachenfels amplifier on its dedicated web page right here: //www.lehmannaudio.com/headphone-amplifiers/home/drachenfels.html
According to Lehmann Audio, the Drachenfels represents a new generation of headphone amps. Entry level price tag, leading edge technology and modularity. The Drachenfels not only is a headphone amp but you can also use it as a preamp. Next to that it in the future will be possible to add in a digital module to the existing design. Think streaming, Bluetooth, USB input, Coaxial input and SPDIF. The BT and LAN-connectivity will be only available at a later, unspecified date but the rest will be available soon.
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.
Amplifier Power
The Drachenfels isn’t the most powerful amplifier but it is small in size and I haven’t really found it to make any of the headphones and earphones I tried it with, sound underpowered.
Power output: 330 ohms/110 mW & 33 ohms/180 mW
Inputs & Outputs
In this regards the Drachenfels is pretty simple if I may say so. There is one set of RCA inputs and one set of RCA outputs for the pre amp function. You also get a pair of 6.3mm headphone outputs, using Neutrik headphone sockets with gold-plated contacts [1 x switching line out, 1 x non-switching line out].
An extra RCA input would have been nice in my opinion but at the same time this isn’t really a problem either. You just need to take it into account and you might have to use a switchbox if you’re planning on using different sources simultaneously.
Build Quality & Looks
As expected the German build quality is top notch. The unit has a beautiful design and at the same time it looks and feels robust. As said, it’s a rather small amplifier and it measures only 60 mm x 120 mm x 43 mm [audio section]. Its weight comes in at only 0,5 kg [1.1 lbs. audio section] but it is heavy enough to stay completely in place when inserting or disconnecting RCA cables and headphones.
The Lehmann Audio Drachenfels is available and black and silver but I did read something about a chrome version being available as well for an extra charge of 120€. The chrome versions are something very typical for Lehmann Audio and they make the design stand out even more. Once you’ve seen a chrome version of one of their amps, you’ll remember it forever.
The design is simple but beautiful, the case is robust, the components top notch and the build quality couldn’t be better. I love German engineering.
Layout & Price
Like the design, the lay-out is simple yet nice. On the front panel you’ll find the power button at the left, the double 6.3mm headphone output in the middle and right next to it the sweet ALPS volume dial.
On the back you can see that the panel is removable and that of course is related to the fact the Drachenfels is/will be upgradeable with digital modules. The standard version of the Drachenfels goes for €499. The Coax or USB-version is estimated at €899 while the Chrome version of the upgraded model will retail for €1.019. In that last case we’re talking about a fully pimped AMP/DAC unit however. The regular Drachenfels itself costs under half, placing it somewhere in the mid-fi segment.
The Drachenfels comes delivered well protected in a very nice box with its serial number and a multi-language manual. Everything you need.
Sound
Lehmann Audio describes the Drachenfels’ sound as follows:
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.
We often don’t agree with the marketing talk but in this case I’ll have to make an exception. I have put many hours on the Drachenfels and have used a lot of different ear- an headphones with it, and the first thing you notice is how effortless the Drachenfels tackles the different technologies and loads. It doesn’t matter what phone you want to listen to, the Drachenfels will make it all look “easy”.
The sound signature isn’t fully neutral as it’s a bit more to the warmer side but not too much. Like every other Lehmann headphone the linearity and balance are of the highest level. Other strong characteristics are the richness and extension, especially for the price point.
Is the Lehmann Rhinelander headphone amp any good?
The Rhinelander has a well dimensioned, discrete class A solid-state output stage with no overall negative feedback, which holds sufficient power reserves available for most common headphones and also gives your favourite sounds an impressive clarity.
Why should I buy a headphone amp?
The answer differs, especially since all digital devices have a built-in amp and DAC. But the reason why you'd get a separate one is for one reason: better sound quality! If you want to improve your sound quality and have better control over your headphone volume, then a headphone amplifier is a great solution!