Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

I agree with @decooney that it depends on your preamp and amp… for me adding the last piece (tube DAC) absolutely sent my system over the top good. Since my preamp and amp were already Audio Research tube equipment the synergy with an Audio Research tube DAC was simply spectacular.

When you are dealing with different companies “house sound” you can have a problem of consecutive subtraction (this is the way I look at it… it may not be an accurate reflection of the world). Let’s say your DAC is a bit forward and lacking in bass, and you match it with a preamp that is warm (a positive combo), meaning it is a bit soft on top and accentuates the midrange, and finally you combine with a amp with great treble and bass. The combination may sound good tonally, but the amp cannot amplify bass that did not come from the DAC, and the amp isn’t getting the treble and bass the preamp didn’t send. so each piece of equipment is acting like a filter.

OK, it is more complicated than that… but this still points to why mixing and matching components is so hard. However, if you find a company that has the house sound you love… then each of their components will be “tuned” the same… no loss or shifting of characteristics between components. A straight path to the signal.

This explains why dropping the Audio Research DAC in between my Audio Reseach preamp and amp was so very synergistic and was not for @decooney.

When many of us old farts got into high end audio there was synergy in getting the very best amp (for me Threshold ((Pass))) and the best preamp (for me Audio Research)… and a phono stage. So, this started the… best of class choosing. It goes on today… but I bet very often to the detriment of the audiophile. Today, companies like Audio Research, Boulder, dCS, Conrad Johnson, and others have a design teams with very specific goals. Note I did not mention Pass… they make spectacular amps. My feeling… and maybe it is is just me… but still do not produce preamps to the level of their amps.

So, I think my thought is, if you can find a company that has the house sound you love, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by getting all your components from them and then climbing the ladder.

Great thread ....  I was looking at the LTA web site and it appears you are able to preorder their Aero DAC for February delivery.  I can't wait to hear the reviews early next year on this DAC from fellow forum members.  

@bhvf

LTA used to use and sell the MHDT DAC’s, which are great for the money.

Yup, I remember this.

Me trying to make connections while daydreaming at work: I’d be curious if MHDT was consulted at one point of the process. From the PTA article:

Mark explained that they really hadn’t intended on designing a DAC, but fate, technology, and a key supporting cast presented itself. With a steep learning curve, outside help, and alignment of the universe the Aero DAC was born.

And taking it further, I’d be curious if there were similarities in sound signature to some of MHDTs historical offerings, but with a little more speed. From the product page:

After trying various options, we chose the Analog Devices AD1865 R2R DAC chip, which is sometimes called the “vinyl DAC,” for its organic sound.

The preorder is definitely something to think about. February is right around the corner.