Have you heard LTA Aero, Lab12 Reference, Denafrips Pontus 15th?


I'm looking at these DACs. I recognize that ultimately I'm gonna have to follow my ears and hear them, but I'm wondering if anyone has heard more than 1 of them and had any insights on comparison and contrast, value, build, etc. 

Thank you!

128x128jbhiller

Using a Lab 12 Dac 1 Reference for 2 years the new LTA Aero Dac was at the top of my upgrade list. After doing some research and following the “Six DAC Comparison” thread’s reviews I decided to pick up a used Mojo Mystique Evo B4B 21 Dac thinking it was low risk at $3000 (Msrp $9000+). I really liked the Lab 12 Tube DAC but this DAC is at another level. I am partial to tubes and the Mojo has that life-like live concert natural sound like tubes. Mojo DACs are excellent and I would consider adding them to your list.

If you are looking in the $4K range, suggest checking out the Holo Audio May DAC.  Cost $4,200+ new depending on the build you choose.  End game for some.  

I'll be following this thread as I'm interested in the holo audio may KTE as of now,  originally it was the LTA Aero. I purchased a pagoda balanced from LTA and they do have excellent service I agree.
 

My Pagoda's usb socket shorted out and I had a local guy repair it, he says it's a design problem, idk. I just know it works again.  LTA no longer sells mhtd labs DAC's  but still responded with diagrams of the pcb and known chip to check for damage. Very helpful 

They had the LTA Aero's set up for headphone listening at Capital Audio Fest. Also had it integrated into a system with massive planar speakers. Sound was very smooth. I was also there to check out the Geshelli Dayzee - reviews of this put it up there to compete with the Aero and it has more connectivity. They hat that integrated into a system, but the system was so much different than the system that the Aero was integrated with that it is not a good comparison. They did not have the Dayzee hooked up for headphone listening either...I may re-visit, currently using my bluesound vault as my streamer DAC, it will do for now. I learned at the show that the biggest difference I can make in my system is to adjust the room...and get a turntable.