Introducing The EarMen L-Amp

[EarMen Marketing]

Dear all,

I’m pleased to announce the launch of the new EarMen portable device, L-Amp!
You’re probably wondering what sets it apart from other devices.

L-Amp offers:

Analog Section​

JAN6418 Tubes – Highly regarded in the audio world for their warm sound, low power consumption, and smooth, analog character that enhances any audio system. Its micro-detailing and natural harmonic reproduction bring a rich, immersive listening experience with a level of depth and nuance rarely found in compact audio devices.

L-Amp's Power Stage – Built using Burr-Brown® INA1620 op-amps, known for their ultra-low THD+N, exceptional performance, and SoundPlus™ technology, ensuring superior audio quality and reliability.

Digital Section​

Integrated ESS DAC – (32-bit, 384kHz PCM, DSD DoP128) ensures flawless audio reproduction.

User Controls & Features​

Volume buttons – For precise adjustments.

Play/Pause button – For easy control.

Bass+ Function (B+) – Enhances bass response on IEMs, making them richer and more natural.

IEM Mode – Dedicated circuitry for optimal performance with in-ear monitors, providing a more natural sound on IEMs, similar to full-sized headphones.

Power & Connectivity​

The L-Amp is designed for efficiency and does not require an integrated battery.

Dual USB Connectors:

One for DATA/PSU

One for PSU – Connect to a clean power supply or use it to prevent draining your mobile phone’s battery.

Built-in Safety Features​

Full Power Protection – Prevents excessive load, safeguarding the device, headphones, and power source (e.g., USB port) from overcurrent and potential damage.

To increase the maximum output power threshold, we recommend connecting an external power supply to another USB port, allowing you to use the L-Amp as a desktop amplifier for an enhanced listening experience.

No Pop & Click Design – Eliminates annoying start-up and shut-down noises, ensuring safety for your ears and equipment.

Microphonics & Vibration Control​

Microphonics is a common phenomenon in tube amplifiers because tubes, as mechanical elements, can react to vibrations and transmit sound waves. This is a natural characteristic of tubes due to their construction and operating principle, so it cannot be completely avoided but can be minimized.

Microphonics usually occurs when the device is physically impacted and gradually fades away, disappearing within approximately 15 seconds.

It may be faintly heard when no music is playing but is completely masked during playback.

We cannot measure it, but we have made significant progress in minimizing it electronically and mechanically, using our years of expertise.

Innovative Suspension System – 4 silicone O-ring mounts drastically reduce vibration, minimizing mechanical feedback to ensure clarity and consistency in every note.

More Details & Images​

Here you can see pictures and additional details that we may have left out: Link

 

[drftr]

Play/Pause button – For easy control.

I must be too dumb for this but what does a Play/Pause button do on an amp?

drftr

 

[wanderingsounds]

This amp has a DAC, which means it can have some control over the source. The play/pause button gives you a hardware control that a smartphone (for example) doesn’t have.

 

[Patswalker]

This is going to be really fun. Earmen is great.

 

[rasmushorn]

Any impressions from owners yet?

 

[Rolu]

You guys keep the best names in the business, hands down

 

[Blotto80]

You guys keep the best names in the business, hands down

I didn't even pick up on the wordplay until you said that. Clever.

 

[RONJA MESCO]

I didn't even pick up on the wordplay until you said that. Clever.

lol...They have the TR-Amp, the Donald Dac and lots more crazy names lol

 

[Lohb]

Fantastic tubes for portable. Have them on another tube hybrid...

They have a notch more 'sweetness' in the last hit than Nu-tube to use technical terms

 

[Miki Trosic]

I must be too dumb for this but what does a Play/Pause button do on an amp?

drftr

Yes we added Play/pause button on DAC/AMP.
This option was added so that if you have the L-Amp in your hand, you can pause the music without looking at your phone, for example.

 

[FilipTot]

Hello everyone,

I am the lead engineer at Auris Audio and EarMen. You may remember my signature on the "Angel" device. What I want to do here is clear up any doubts and have fun discussing sound and audio devices because, at the core, we are all here out of a shared love for this. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I also want to share some interesting details about the L-AMP. First, let me emphasize that we have extensive experience with high-end devices, especially headphone amplifiers, so we know what good sound should be and what to expect from a tube. Some people might not like microphony, but let me clarify something—it is a normal characteristic of every tube. Some have more, some less, but what is considered "too much" is subjective!
Please do not compare the L-AMP with devices that cost five times as much, especially those that do not use the JAN6418 tube. I have personally listened to a few competing devices—one had nearly twice the microphony, while another had less than the L-AMP, but that is expected when negative feedback is used.
What is the issue with negative feedback, and how does it work? Essentially, the ideal signal from the DAC is compared to the signal after the tube. Any differences between the two signals are canceled out, and the stronger the feedback, the more the output signal resembles the input. The problem is that this process not only reduces microphony but also removes the tube-enriched sound. The amplifier starts to sound more like the DAC itself, losing dynamics, color, and other essential elements.
We aimed for a balanced approach, ensuring reliability, manageable microphony, and sufficient power—without compromising sound quality. We never go against sound. Our portable amplifier exhibits slight microphony when physically tapped, but this does not affect music playback. Under normal usage conditions, you will rarely trigger strong microphony.

We are open to suggestions and even criticism, and I hope you enjoy the sound of this small but great amplifier!

 

[rasmushorn]

I have no doubt that EarMen / Auris knows how to handle tubes.
I only wish there was a place here in my country, where I could listen to this.
Right now waiting for peoples first impressions.

 

[FilipTot]

I have no doubt that EarMen / Auris knows how to handle tubes.
I only wish there was a place here in my country, where I could listen to this.
Right now waiting for peoples first impressions.

Hi,
I think we will soon have a dealer in Denmark. You can also follow this topic.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/new-portable-tube-dac-amp-earmen-l-amp.975887/

 

[FilipTot]

Hi everyone, here's a new review from Headfonia:
https://www.headfonia.com/earmen-l-amp-review/
There you will also find a comparison with the Tube mini.

 

[Daimiel]

Hi everyone, here's a new review from Headfonia:
https://www.headfonia.com/earmen-l-amp-review/
There you will also find a comparison with the Tube mini.

Hello and congratulations for the excelents products you have created.
I have a Sennheiser HD660s and HD620s and I used a Chord Mojo 1 with them, but I'm a litle tired about his sound and I would like to try another sounds sigantures.
Long ago I'm thinking about try the Earmen Angel, but now the L-Amp has apeared.
What do you think which is better for the Senns that I have?
Thanks you and congratulations again.
Cheers .