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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
phill55's avatar
phill55
142 posts
 

Hi @teajay how does the LTA Dac compare to the Audio Mirror Tubadour IV? Both tube based R2R dacs. Thank you!

mitch2
3,967 posts
 

@teajay

I was intrigued enough by your review, and the many other positive responses from those who own or have heard this DAC, that I called LTA yesterday, had a nice conversation with Mark Schneider, the LTA CEO, and purchased the Aero DAC. I should see it in about 3 weeks as they are waiting on cases.
They clearly put a lot of thought and effort into the design, and there is innovation throughout the DAC beyond the Berning-modeled output stage. Mr. Schneider shared a lot of details and unfortunately I cannot remember them all. LTA are aware of similarities with the DACs from Mojo Audio such as the AD chips, Belleson regulators, and choke power supplies, and Mr. Schneider is interested to hear about my comparisons between the Aero and my current Mystique Evo Pro Z and Mystique X SE NCZ.
Since my system typically remains powered up all the time, I was interested in Mr. Schneider’s comments about warm up. He acknowledged the Aero DAC sounds better after a 2-hour warm-up, and the sound can continue to improve over a couple of days. He indicated turning the unit on/off is may be harder on the tubes than simply leaving it turned on. Also, the ZOTL circuit only uses about 1/3 of the tube’s power and the 12SN7 tubes they sourced are not dreadfully expensive.
I look forward to trying this new DAC.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,442 posts
 

@mitch2 

I am looking forward to your impressions on LTA. 

teajay OP
1,691 posts
 

Hey whoopycat,

Great question! You might find it shocking that the Pass Labs DAC-1 performance is quite close to the present day reference level DACs. I hate using percentage statements, but I would say the DAC-1 gives you close to 85% of the state of the art performance of this generation of great DACs. I'm sure yours sounds great in your system. 

Teajay

teajay OP
1,691 posts
 

Hey phill55,

It's been awhile since I reviewed the Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC, which is a wonderful musical sounding DAC. My hunch would be that the LTA Aero will be more dynamic and resolving with more pristine tonality, but not losing the sense of musicality that the Tubadour has. 

Teajay 

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