Review on Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

@no_regrets 

I've used a Musical Fidelity A-5 as a transport, along with a Cambridge CXC, and currently a Project RS2T.

The Project is simply at a different sonic level. Unfortunately, this Project model has had serious reliability issues. 

My original unit was replaced. My current unit works perfectly as long as I leave it in stand-by. From a full off it can sometimes take a few attempts to power up.

I'm not aware if the glitches have been remedied or not. If they have addressed this the performance compares with units several times it's cost.

Good luck with your decision.

      LP

@no_regrets  I also have a full loom of AZ cables, and the last one I added was their MC2 digital interconnect, and if you like the AZ house sound this one is a no brainer — read the reviews as they’re pretty spot on.  Here’s a nice one you should be able to get for $300 if it’s still available as it’s been on the market for a while.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649210067-acoustic-zen-mc2-digital-cable/

And while I agree your Rotel will work as a transport, transports matter and make a big difference so at the level of your system I’d look to upgrade that if CDs are important.  You could consider adding a DDC like the Denafrips Hermes that would likely up the Rotel’s performance significantly, or you could go to something like a Jay’s Audio CDT2 Mk3.  If CDs are important and you’re not gonna go to streaming I’d definitely do one or the other because the Rotel will likely be a bottleneck.  Hope this helps, or best of luck. 

Hey soix,

Totally agree with you, if Don likes AZ cables, the AZ MC2 would be a great addition.

Of course CD transports make a difference regarding the performance of the DAC they are driving. I consider myself some what of a connoisseur regarding transports. I do not stream, so all my DACs are driven by CD transports. Here's a list of what I have in my collection of spinners:

1) Mark Levinson 31.5 2) CEC two belt T-3,3) Pro-Ject reference with LTA upgraded power supply, 4) Jays Audio MKIII.

I also just had in for review Bricasti's new 10K transport. So when I suggested to Don that his Rotel would suffice to drive the Aero, I did not mean that it would get the ultimate performance out of it, but good enough to still hear what the Aero has to offer. By the way, the best performance I get in my system, regardless of the DAC, is the combination of the Mark Levinson with Jena Cables reference digital cable.  

Even Dr Vinyl likes this digital.

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.