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

I am auditioning the Aero Dac for 14 days.  I have the Laiv to compare that I consider in the same performance level than Pontus.

Presently, the soundstage depth, height, microdetails,  clarity and 3D holographic is better with Aero Dac.  Normal, it is 1.2k$ more expensive than all of them, so, the LTA is the better DAC. 

The Pontus is a really nice DAC that should sound great in any system. I feel like everyone should give it a try at some point. Not that it is necessarily the absolute best option but it is very nice and gives you a starting point to know what you might want to change. Lots of people have heard it so comparisons to other DACs become easier at that point.

Thank you both!

@dandion , that is great to hear and I had the Laiv on my list too, but I was thinking it may be more towards the analytical. But I haven't heard it. Sounds like the Aero is for me.  I was leaning that direction. Just didn't want to blow $4k right now!

I just pulled the trigger on the LTA.  I'll report back.  If it wows me, I'll leave well enough alone and move on. If not, I'll grab another and give it a try. 

As long as you can leave without MQA, DSD and no I2S input, and you already have a pre amp, you should be good.

I must admit LTA customer service is first class.

Yes, I do not need MQA or DSD. I2s is not needed too.  

I prefer not to combine the DAC and preamp--so I'm not tied to each in one. 

LTA looks to have great service. That's great to hear firsthand too. 

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.

Interesting @tksteingraber .  I will check it out nonetheless now. 

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.

LTA Aero in house here. Sounding fantastic. Very nice build. Easy to use. Solid. 

Soundwise, I really dig it. Very clear, crisp, but has some nice glow and bloom.  Still breaking it in. I will not be return this guy!

Just a couple of quick things. First, on US Audiomart, I am seeing used Laiv's DACs being sold much more than I would have thought at this point. Leads me to believe there is an issue with that DAC. Second, there is a Holo May DAC L3 kte currently listed at that site and they usually go fast if anyone is interested.