LTA Aero verses Holo May KTE

I bought my May L2 DAC before the LTA Aero was developed, but it probably would have been on my short list too, so I understand your conundrum. You’d probably be happy with either, but I can tell you that I stopped thinking about DAC upgrades after I put the May in my system. The LTA does allow for tube swaps if you’re into tweaking.

My May’s USB input takes a few seconds to lock onto the signal when it’s first turned on, but once it does, there are no hiccups or pauses.

NEVER had any delays or problems using USB on my Holo Audio May KTE. Using it with an Aurender N200.

I have may kte. I use i2s connection with PLL off. No delay. Sounds awesome. But, There's a trick to May that LTA nor other dacs in this price range cannot match. Use May NOS mode and feed up-sampled DSD 128 or higher (I use Hqplayer), it sounds as good as any high end DAC. That's where May excels and not sure if others are taking full advantage of that. 

I use the Aero for months.  It is a plug and play dac that  always works flawless and sound good. I let mine 'on' all the time.   Upgrading the stock tube to Ray 6SN7 brings more detail, bass and bigger soundstage.  Feed it with high quality streamer Innuos/Aurender and PCM files through its USB input and you are in business for a long run.

May KTE is a phenomenal DAC. I never had a delay using USB. But now I’m running a 60’ AES cable from my server in the basement to the May. It does take a second to lock when switching bitrates. Not a big issue for me. 
 

I actually prefer the May to Tambaqui and Grimm MU2 DAC. It has more weight and body. Lampizator could be on your list if you don’t mind messing with tubes.