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Review on Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

Hey Gon members,

I just submitted to Stereo Times my review on the new ,and the first, DAC that Linear Tube Audio has just released. For right now I would strongly suggest anyone in the market for a stand alone DAC, regardless of price, consider the Aero. Its build quality, R2R chip set, power supply, internal part selection and the tube based ZOTL analog conversion section leads to one of the most musical and analog type presentations I have heard in the last ten years. Not inexpensive at $3,950, but competes with my reference which sells for $10,000 more. You get a 14 day home . trial. So far no one has returned the Aero after hearing in their system. I go into many details about the Aero in my review, but wanted to give a heads-up for anyone considering a DAC purchase. I believe the Aero is a break through product based on price vs. performance. I'll let you know when the review goes up. Hopefully in the next ten days.

 

Terajay (Terry London)

teajay
mitch2
3,940 posts
 

Found this to be interesting.  Made me wonder if their choice of AD1865 vs. others like AD1862 was related to finding a chip they could stockpile in sufficient quantity.  Also interesting comments on power cords relative to power supply.  They clearly value listening as part of their design and parts selection process.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,822 posts
 

Hey Terry…would you care to share your thoughts on how the LTA compares to Bricasti, considering both use AD chips? Thanks!

teajay OP
1,687 posts
 

Hey audphile1,

I have nothing but respect for Bricasti gear, have reviewed two of their DACs and one of their amplifiers. Great build quality and first rate sound performance.

Do I believe the LTA Aero DAC out preforms Bricasti's best DACs? No, but it creates a level of performance that easily fits in the higher echelon of DACs right along with the Bricasti pieces. But here's the kicker, the Bricasti DACs are at least 2K to 14K more expensive then the Aero, and yet do not out perform it! As I did in my review, I compared the Aero to my reference Reimyo Tuko which still sells for around 13K for a NOS one and it was at that echelon regarding performance.

Teajay

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,822 posts
 

Thanks! I read your review of Bricasti M3 that’s why I asked. Sounds like LTA is a killer DAC. I’m actually on a hunt for a new DAC but the incompatibility with DSD is a let down. 

stuartk
2,716 posts
 

Thanks for the heads up, Terry. I'll be upgrading my DAC in the next year or so and this seems like a real contender due to its tonality as you've described it, the return option and the price. 

It's a shame you have to deal with the same tedious accusations of nefarious intent every time you inform us about a new product you've enjoyed.  

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