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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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.