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)
My comment about the wait was based on my conversation with the owner, Mr. Mark Schneider a little over a week ago. I went ahead and placed my order as soon as we finished our discussion that day. The confirmation email indicated:
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@tksteingraber The LAIV Harmony, is winning favour as many are getting their chance to Trial a model, using the very generously honoured 30 Day Return Policy. The comments being read are quite attractive about the Harmony are able to catch ones attention, especially attractive is the SS design as well. I am a DAC user, which is a Commission Built Bespoke Design that is incorporating Valve Regulated Power Supply and E88CC Tubes in the Circuits Signal Path. It was this DAC used with a CDT, that finally converted myself to having a Digital Source that was considered to be a very acceptable alternative to the Vinyl Source. Most recently a Demo' of a Denafrips Venus II with FW Updates got my full attention, as a result of the very good impression made during a comparison session between SS and Valve based Digital Sources. It would have been great to have had the LAIV H' and LTA A' used as well, at the comparisons being undertaken. |
Michael Lavorgna reviewed the LAIV Harmony DAC on his Twittering Machines website. He said good things about the Harmony DAC in his review, and particularly for the price. He happened to have the LTA Aero DAC in his Barn for review at the same time (review pending) and said this about the comparison...
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@teajay - Have you heard the Merason DAC 1 MkI or MkII? If yes, any thoughts compared to the (half the price) LTA Aero? Michael Lavorgna currently has the LTA Aero DAC in his Barn for review (pending) and has also reviewed the Merason, so I also look forward to any comparisons he chooses to make. |
