2. digital
  3. 190709-3787

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
teajay OP
1,691 posts
 

Hey dandion,

I had a brief listening session awhile back with the Aqua Scala DAC, quite good, and yes, the LTA Aero DAC have a lot of musicality and sonic characteristics that are similar. If you like the much more expensive DAC you surely would enjoy the LTA.

 

Teajay 

mitch2
3,967 posts
 

I had the Aqua La Scala II DAC (not Optologic) in my system for a while some years ago and eventually sent it back. There was nothing specific that I didn’t like about it and I believe my comparison was with the Metrum Pavane, which I kept. I sort of remember at the time that I didn’t want something with tubes in it.  Unfortunately, I was not able to compare it directly against any of my Mojo Audio DACs.  I had forgotten the La Scala used four PCM1704 DAC chips, but they apparently changed that to their current proprietary Optologic D/A conversion system using FPGAs.  I may think about trying the the La Scala again instead of the LTA Aero.

dandion
28 posts
 

Thanks guys,

 It looks like the LTA aero is a better choice presently and Aqua La Scala is ready for an upgrade.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
612 posts
 

Is LTA shipping these now or are they taking preorders?  Also, a lot of hype on the Laiv Harmony DAC out there…wonder how the 2 compare🤔

teajay OP
1,691 posts
 

Hey tksteingraber,

LTA has been shipping for close to a couple of months already. The wait time is about two weeks.

Teajay

More to discover