Jay’s Audio CD Transport

@no_regrets I haven't A/B'd them within the same system components, and I'm my listening 90% of the time listen to the Aero with the Z10E and headphones.

Secondly I've only used 6SN7 tubes, not the LTA 12SN7.

The Tambaqui is very different, and more discerning, but the one immediate compliment to the Aero is it's solidity, and weightly presentation. Notes have more heft and presence, and that comes across very well with the Aero.

I never set out to compare them, I did compare the Cen.Grand DSD Deluxe DAC closely to the Aero and I feel those 2 DAC's despite their FPGA vs R2R differences they're very similar and enjoyable (4k vs 6.5k).

CEN.Grand with a touch more detail, but the Aero with Tungsols 6SN7 much more space, depth and holographic presentation. I feel these qualities are easily more noticable, then say degrees of detail, and the wow factor comes a little quicker with the Aero, where the Cen.DSD is a very smooth and detailed DAC, that's a long slow burn. You might find yourself listening longer to the Cen, but raising your eyebrows more while you smile with the Aero.

Hope this helps.

@ja_kub_sz Hello and thank you so much for your reply! Yes, indeed... I found your comments to be very helpful.

It seems as though you’ve been enjoying a very nice dac spree of sorts! Have you had the opportunity to try any of the Mojo Audio dacs? I’m curious where you think they would slot into place here or how you felt it would compare to the Aero?

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me!

Best wishes,

Don

@no_regrets nope have not tried them and I’m kinda in a holding pattern for DAC’s.

The Matrix MS-1 was a 3 month wait and honestly, I’m not inclined to wait that long. I just got my Grimm MU2, but sadly have had only limited time to sit down with it and when I have I’m just trying to navigate Roon, which is a task within a task.

I can see why people love the MU2 though, it’s midrange presentation is immaculate and even A/B testing it against the Tambaqui, I have to say this with trepidation... the Tambaqui seems a bit veiled compared to the MU2. But I couldn’t put my finger on why the Tambaqui sounded a touch more organic, and or dimensional.

Again these Are very early takes and no at all my final thoughts.

I plan on pairing the MU2 with the Canor Virtus M1 Monoblocks or maybe a Viva Solista MK3, but I’m leaning a little more towards the M1 for the 4 modes of operation and potential sound signature variability (ultralinear vs triode, +/- feedback).

I might... Probably won’t, but maybe would A/B the Gustard X30 against the Soulnote D2 considering they’re both quad ess chip DAC’s.

@ja_kub_sz   I have read that people have been really enjoying the sound from the MU2.... but at 3-4 times the price of the LTA Aero, I would certainly hope it would offer great sound.

You have been blessed to be able to listen to so many dacs/streamers in house and to be able to compare them against other gear you already own.  I greatly appreciate being able to hear about your thoughts and experiences and live vicariously thru you

Best wishes,

Don