Synergy
Efficiency
The EarMen L-Amp is capable of taking hard-to-drive headphones such as the SJY Horizon in stride. I was able to reach too loud listening levels, which means the L-Amp presents its power with an efficiency belying its rated 1W of power.
Utilizing the IEM switch also helps to cover noisy IEMs well enough if needed, so you can enjoy the music without bother. The Campfire Audio Supermoon was quite noisy without the switch in place, but tamed the noise when activated.
Power
As mentioned above, the L-Amp can drive all my headphones without a bother. It was even able to drive the AKG240DFs without bother, while using a 6.35mm to 3.5mm SE adaptor. There was never a lack of power in this 600Ω headphone, much like the Horizon.
Pairings
I cannot say that I had a favored pairing, such was the synergy between all that I tried. I was equally impressed with the brighter-in-character Kennerton Rognir and SJY Horizon on the same level.
While the Rognir was easier to drive to very loud levels, without degrading sound qualities presented, the Horizon could also be driven to very loud levels.
I found no bother in driving either, and I appreciated the differing signatures equally while using the L-Amp. Add in the Bass+, and the Rognir became melodic, taming its tendency for a midrange that can become brittle based on some reviews.
Conversely, running the Horizon both with and without the Bass+ afforded an excellent musicality to the sound, which complemented the duo well.
IEMs such as the Supermoon benefited from the IEM switch, and I felt less of an impact while utilizing the Bass+ switch. Impactful bass resulted both ways, but that little extra grunt down low was appreciated.
The Dark Star carried more background noise, even with the IEM switch on. This was also the only option I used in the 3.5mm stereo jack.
Again, very adequate power was had, but the musical nature with which the DarkStar and L-Amp paired overshadowed the increased background noise to me in all but the quietest passages.
The L-Amp can work with most nicely, but be forewarned that more sensitive IEMs will promote background noise, and a pop when inserting or taking out the jack. I also had the familiar “ping” when activating the IEM switch.
Select Comparisons
EarMen Angel
Features
The DAC chip EarMen decided to use for the Angel is the ES9038Q2M, a balanced-capable converter from ESS designed for portable devices, and the same as the TR-Amp listed below.
This chip has also been used successfully in higher models from EarMen, too. The Angel covers most modern media up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, native DSD512, and MQA.
The fully balanced circuitry of the Angel presents gobs of power here, too. With no problem running hard to drive headphones, the Angel handles everything thrown its way.
If in doubt, a gain button is included for even more. There is also a linear power supply hiding inside the Angel, getting a good handle on keeping noise low.
Two 3000mAh lithium polymer batteries give the Angel a playtime of up to 10 hours. With a charge time of 3 hours and a separate port for charging, you can run either on battery power or plugged in like the L-Amp.
Design
The similarities between the TR-Amp, Angel, and L-Amp are obvious. The easiest way to describe the Angel to those who have owned or seen the TR-Amp is to elongate its chassis and move some bits and pieces around to make the device fit today’s standards. The industrial look pervades, but in blue this time.
Doing away with the 6.35mm and RCA sockets of the TR-Amp, the Angel is making use of a more compact set of 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks to highlight the amplifier’s balanced design.
The Angel also moved the preamp switch to the front and added features, including a new Gain+ button and the ability to interface through an S/PDIF connection.
You can also run balanced 4.4mm out or single-ended 3.5mm from the back, allowing for a fully balanced sound if you tether to another balanced option.
Four visible screws hold the three-piece assembly of the Angel together, just like the TR-Amp. It is one of the more prominent features used by EarMen to add a layer of depth to the otherwise simple case of the device.
A large volume knob protrudes out the front, with the direct/Pre-amp toggle next to it, unlike the push buttons on the L-Amp.
Performance
It may be described on paper as a portable DAC/Amp, but power the Angel on and you’ll get access to desktop-quality sound. The definition and power of each note make me sometimes forget that I am listening to a battery-powered source.
Power is comparable to the L-Amp with up to 8.5Vrms 0 dBFS on 4.4mm balanced. That is impressive for such a diminutive device.
The midrange is very well-behaved with a tendency to go slightly upward of neutrality, similar to the L-Amp. But while it does inch towards a forward presence, it is still safely tuned to not cause fatigue unless paired poorly. Both can be called smooth, but there is a tad more vibrancy to the tonality on the Angel.
Expecting linearity with the low end, the Angel surprised me that it has an impactful presence. In this case, I am using the word impactful to highlight the scale and extension of the Angel as it springs to life with dynamic beats.
Add in the Bass+ on the L-Amp, and there is more presence, though, along with impact, which is a fair trade-off in my book.
Both come across as showing no compromises in sound and how the sound is represented. The family resemblance is applaudable, but each shows its own merits when asked.
EarMen TR-Amp
Features
The ES9038Q2M was an improvement over the previous generation 9018Q2M chip at the time. The circuit sounds much more mature, with a higher degree of clarity. The familial resemblance between the TR-Amp and L-Amp can be heard.
With the Texas Instruments High Fidelity TPA6120 chip to drive the power, the AKG240DFs were never left wanting for more power. The 3700mA battery provides up to 10h of play time. It is recommended that a 5V/1A – 2A charger be used, as well.
Design
The chassis is full aluminum. The industrial look to it hearkens back to a previous generation for EarMen, replete with exposed Allen head bolts. That design allows for the replacement of the battery by the company, should you need to.
The robust structure counters the softer lines (and color) of the L-Amp, but the familial resemblance is still there with many of the inputs and outputs.
The USB ports are sturdy, and so are the 6.35mm and 3.5mm, both single-ended. This allows for use with older headphones, but limits use to non-balanced. To be honest, that isn’t a big deal, allowing me to pull out some old pre-balanced headphones.
Use can be had by either USB-C in or RCA LO for pre-amplifier usage. No gain switch is included, since you have an actual volume knob.
Performance
The TR-Amp can be utilized as a pre-amplifier, focusing on the DAC performance only, or in conjunction with the amplifier. While I used both, the USB-C has seen the vast majority of time since I have had it.
Presenting a rich, smooth signature, but carrying a certain edge to it that shows off the EarMen’s traditional sound. Vibrant in clarity, but with excellent midrange and extension, it affords the user a full sound approach that also carries plenty of power to it.
The L-Amp, on the other hand, presents a more well-rounded signature, especially with the additional thump down low using Bass+.
The TR-Amp was a unit I quickly fell for when I reviewed it due to the immense power that can be had, but also a sound signature, which presented itself vibrantly, with an almost Ray Samuels-like sound to it. Gobs of power, tamed by an excellent signature.
The L-Amp is a natural follow-up to it, and adding the tube sound cements its place in the lineup.
My Verdict
The EarMen L-Amp’s dual NOS JAN6418 Raytheon tube setup delivers a liquid-like presentation with prodigious levels of power for hard-to-drive headphones.
The sound emanating from within carries very good levels of detail, which presents itself well from the ESS incorporated chip. The detail, combined with the warm richness of those tubes, makes for a wonderful pairing for both desktop and portable use.
If there is something to worry about, it is simply to be wary of the usual pops and pings associated with tube gear when connecting your headgear. The IEM switch can quell the noise from most, but it is still present in very sensitive IEMs. Headphones need not worry as much.
Additionally, besides a case, which would hide the glossy black frame that is almost allergic to fingerprints, that would be it in terms of critique.
Other than that, the L-Amp is not only a natural progression for EarMen products, but it also has the sound to back it up. This is an easy recommendation for either portable or desktop use.
EarMen L-Amp Technical Specifications
- Power (Voltage out): 3.5mm SE-1.9V = 230mW @ 16 Ohm, 4.4mm BAL-3.8V = 560mW @ 16 Ohm (1W @ 8ohm)
- DAC: ESS SABRE DAC (32-bit, 384kHz PCM, DSD DoP128)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/-0.013dB for both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL
- SNR: 3.5mm SE-85dB, 4.4mm BAL-90dB
- Tubes: 2-Raytheon JAN6418 NOS
- Dimensions: 94mm x 55mm x 14mm (120g +/-)
