Review on Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

If I remember you have an affinity for tube DACs.  It's a different class of DAC but how does it compare to the MHDT Orchid?  What would you say are the similarities?

Hey danager,

That's a great question. The LTA Aero is a qualitative  shift to a much higher level of dynamics, clarity, 3D imaging, much more pristine timbres/colors, and bass extension then the MHDT DAC. LTA used import/sell the MHDT Orchid DAC and was/is very good for its time and price.

You are correct I find R2R DACs, often with tubes in the analog conversation section to be the most musical and relaxing DACs for my taste.

Teajay

“Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM”
That’s a non-starter for me since I listen to lot of DSD albums. At $4K, I consider this to be a serious limitation. I believe we are not far off from a future where DSD files become available to stream.

Nevertheless, LTA has an impressive line of products…the only thing missing, a dedicated outboard phono preamplifier which I would love to audition (add) in my system.

That’s a non-starter for me since I listen to lot of DSD albums.

+1, since I have so many DSD albums and also, all my FLACs are converted to 256 DSD for playback.

teajay

... I would strongly suggest anyone in the market for a stand alone DAC, regardless of price, consider the Aero ... You get a 14 day home . trial. So far no one has returned the Aero ... I believe the Aero is a break through product ...

That sure is a "hard sell" for a component review that isn't even published yet.