Have you heard LTA Aero, Lab12 Reference, Denafrips Pontus 15th?


I'm looking at these DACs. I recognize that ultimately I'm gonna have to follow my ears and hear them, but I'm wondering if anyone has heard more than 1 of them and had any insights on comparison and contrast, value, build, etc. 

Thank you!

128x128jbhiller

I am auditioning the Aero Dac for 14 days.  I have the Laiv to compare that I consider in the same performance level than Pontus.

Presently, the soundstage depth, height, microdetails,  clarity and 3D holographic is better with Aero Dac.  Normal, it is 1.2k$ more expensive than all of them, so, the LTA is the better DAC. 

The Pontus is a really nice DAC that should sound great in any system. I feel like everyone should give it a try at some point. Not that it is necessarily the absolute best option but it is very nice and gives you a starting point to know what you might want to change. Lots of people have heard it so comparisons to other DACs become easier at that point.

Thank you both!

@dandion , that is great to hear and I had the Laiv on my list too, but I was thinking it may be more towards the analytical. But I haven't heard it. Sounds like the Aero is for me.  I was leaning that direction. Just didn't want to blow $4k right now!

 

I just pulled the trigger on the LTA.  I'll report back.  If it wows me, I'll leave well enough alone and move on. If not, I'll grab another and give it a try.