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
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@mitch2

I would be curious to hear your impressions on how the LTA compare to Merason in regards to creating ambiance and spatial space. This is why I chose Merason over my $7K+ Tube SW1X III+ DHT R2R Dac; Merason matched it in every area but the airy details just added another level of dimensionality and realness...

Wig 🎶🎵

@mitch2 

I just got my Merason DAC1 mk2 so I'm interested in the comparison with the LTA Aero as well. 

For those Dacs utilizing 6SN7 tubes, I highly recommend Linlai Elite 6SN7s which IMHO, beats most NOS tubes...

Wig

It seems that my madness of upgrading DACs every 6 months (R26, Wandla, Laiv) stops here with the Aero Dac. I have listened mine for more than 200 h and it gives me all the soundstage size and microdetails that I was looking for.  It wants me to focus more on the music than ever.  Can't wait to try the Reseve tube 6SN7.