Review on Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

Another possible reason why he didn’t compare the Merason DAC1 MkII directly with the Aero could be that they were not both in his barn at the same time.

It seems Lavorgna likes the Liav Harmony DAC at its price point but he personally doesn’t care for its NOS mode, which he found boring, while he noted an etched or fatiguing quality when playing it in OS mode, but only in comparison to the more expensive LTA Aero DAC.

The LTA Aero seems more aligned with his sonic tastes, like his Totaldac d-1 unity reference, and wins within its weight class and above, but shows some shortcomings against the 3x more expensive Totaldac. Compared to the Harmony, he found that the Aero sounded "comparatively richer, fuller, and...more involving, making music feel more life-like and less processed." I will be interested to read what he has to say in Part 2 of the Aero review.

To understand his thoughts about the Aero vs. the Merason, it may be necessary to read about how he compared each to his Totaldac, which would put the Merason ahead of the Aero.

With respect to burn in,  I appreciate when a company does that.   Some companies make it part of their overall quality control.  Small companies that do it are wise, really helps to root out any problems before it leaves .   

@teajay 

I haven’t seen any mention of the Rockna Wavelight in this thread. Are you familiar enough with it to make a comparison with the Aero? It is another I am considering to replace my DSD Mk2.

Hey markmuse,

The Rockna is another fine DAC. I reviewed it a few years back. However, it’s more expensive then the LTA Aero, but I would rather have the Aero based on its presentation of music. A virtue of the Rockna is that it's volume control is excellent and the expense of a preamplifier is not necessary.

Teajay

@teajay Thanks!