2. digital
  3. 190709-3787

Review on Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

Hey Gon members,

I just submitted to Stereo Times my review on the new ,and the first, DAC that Linear Tube Audio has just released. For right now I would strongly suggest anyone in the market for a stand alone DAC, regardless of price, consider the Aero. Its build quality, R2R chip set, power supply, internal part selection and the tube based ZOTL analog conversion section leads to one of the most musical and analog type presentations I have heard in the last ten years. Not inexpensive at $3,950, but competes with my reference which sells for $10,000 more. You get a 14 day home . trial. So far no one has returned the Aero after hearing in their system. I go into many details about the Aero in my review, but wanted to give a heads-up for anyone considering a DAC purchase. I believe the Aero is a break through product based on price vs. performance. I'll let you know when the review goes up. Hopefully in the next ten days.

 

Terajay (Terry London)

teajay
sense63
54 posts
 

I have owned the Merason DAC 1, Mk ll and even though it’s a fine sounding unit, the Aero is a significant step up.  The best way I can describe the difference is the Merason puts you in front of a very good system and the Aero puts you at the live event.  I also own the newest Linn DAC/streamer/preamp (a significant price difference) and the Aero DAC is right there sonically and in some ways does a few things better.  Will I give up my Linn?  Nope, but it’s great to have two wonderful sounding DAC’s at the same time. I do think the Linn has advantages as well, especially with their streamer and preamp built in.  
 

I agree with teajay regarding price vs performance.  The Aero is a home run for the price.

markmuse
274 posts
 

@drvinyl01 Ha ha! +1

no_regrets
470 posts
 

@soix 

I wonder if you or anyone else has had the opportunity to compare the Acoustic Zen MC2 with the Absolute Copper Foil 75 Ohm digital RCA cable?

Is there difference in sound characteristics between using 110 Ohm vs the 75 Ohm RCA cables?

Does anyone like the sound of any other RCA digital cables better than the AZ for similar prices?

Thank you!

Don

no_regrets
470 posts
 

@sense63 

Thank you for your comments!  It certainly sounds like the Aero is certainly worthy of it's $4K asking price. I appreciate you sharing the comparisons.

Best wishes,

Don

sense63
54 posts
 

@no_regrets 

My pleasure.

On another question you asked regarding the AZ Absolute copper, that's the cable I'm currently using and it is extremely good.  Another cable I also use, is the Empirical Design ED 120 Coaxial 75 Ohm Digital Cable which is extremely good as well and much less money than the AZ.

More to discover