LTA Aero DAC
The Linear Tube Audio (LTA) AERO Digital-to-Analog-Converter (DAC) is LTA’s first DAC and the world’s first DAC using ZOTL technology. After two years of development, dozens of versions and prototypes, and hours of listening tests, the result delivers crystalline realism, organic timbre, and encompassing soundstage.
Included with your purchase of the LTA DAC are our 2” Isolation Feet (value of $325).
The Linear Tube Audio (LTA) AERO Digital-to-Analog-Converter (DAC) is LTA’s first DAC and the world’s first DAC using ZOTL technology. After two years of development, dozens of versions and prototypes, and hours of listening tests, the result delivers crystalline realism, organic timbre, and encompassing soundstage.
Included with your purchase of the LTA DAC are our 2” Isolation Feet (value of $325).
The Linear Tube Audio (LTA) AERO Digital-to-Analog-Converter (DAC) is LTA’s first DAC and the world’s first DAC using ZOTL technology. After two years of development, dozens of versions and prototypes, and hours of listening tests, the result delivers crystalline realism, organic timbre, and encompassing soundstage.
Included with your purchase of the LTA DAC are our 2” Isolation Feet (value of $325).
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I gotta say, man, they nailed it right out of the box. This thing is impressive. It really is.
Watch the entire review here.
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The Aero has unlocked that emotional involvement with the digital format. I sat down with a cup of coffee and did side to side comparison with 24/192 recordings and the LP. My vinyl system is Sota Nova/Grado/Modwright. If I didn’t pay attention when switching between formats I would have to check to see what format was actually playing.
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The Aero DAC brought a fluidity to streaming high-resolution audio from Qobuz and Tidal that was truly striking. On superior recordings, brass instruments were rendered with outstanding transparency and realism, while drums exhibited a vibrant sheen. Treble extensions in all instruments were lively yet smooth, avoiding any harshness. Vocals, from artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Patricia Barber, Emmylou Harris, Diana Krall, and Frank Sinatra, were intimate and detailed, capturing every breath with clarity. In conclusion, the Aero DAC excels in delivering engaging, musical sound devoid of the typical digital artifacts often associated with digital playback.
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The Aero DAC renders a voluptuous natural tonality, ease, and liquidity, drawing you into the music. This is mainly because of the AD1865 chip, the ZOTL/tube-based analog conversion section, and the unbelievably robust power supply.
Read the entire review here.
General Specifications
Inputs: USB, RCA Coax, Toslink / Optical
Outputs: RCA (70 ohm), XLR (140 ohm)
Formats: Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM
DAC: Analog Devices AD1865 R2R
Output Voltage:
RCA: 2.2 Vrms
XLR: 4.4 Vrms
THD+N:
RCA: 0.54% at 1.1 Vpeak.
XLR: 0.061% at 2.2 Vpeak
Hum:
RCA: -110dB at 1.1 Vpeak
XLR: -116dB at 2.2 Vpeak
Frequency Response: -0.3dB at 20Hz and -0.8dB at 20kHz
Tube Complement: 2 x 12SN7 (6SN7 tubes can also be used)
Power Consumption: 32W (Standby: 7W)
Features & Benefits
Fern & Roby Isolation Feet (pictured): The 2” Isolation Feet (value of $325) come in a set of 4 and are included with each purchase
Pure R2R Ladder DAC: No oversampling and no digital filters
Class-A ZOTL Output Stage: The first and only DAC in the world to use ZOTL technology
Zero Negative Feedback: No global or local feedback for timbral accuracy and enhanced transient response
Isolated Power Rails: Dedicated power supplies for each section for precise electrical isolation
Advanced Protection: Circuitry to protect downstream components from tube failures
Easy Tube Swapping: Fully visible tubes and simple toggle switch for using either 6SN7 or 12SN7 output tubes
Balanced XLR Outputs: Enhanced signal quality and crystal clear audio
Three Inputs: USB, Optical, and Coax inputs for flexible connectivity
Direct-Coupled Topology: No capacitors in the signal path
Plug & Play: No drivers needed for Windows or Mac
Advanced Power Regulation: Belleson-regulated, multi-stage choke filtration for clean power
Digital Galvanic Isolation: Blocks noise from music sources entering the DAC circuit
Made in the USA: Designed and built by LTA in Takoma Park, MD
Dimensions
Height: 3" (not including tubes)
Height with Isolation Feet: 3.75”
Width: 17"
Length: 10" (10.5” including connectors)
Isolation Feet Dimensions:
Weight: 15lbs. or 6.75kg
Isolation Feet Dimensions: 2” x 1”
DAC Stage
Since LTA amplifiers are so transparent and known for their detail retrieval and low noise floor, we needed the D-to-A conversion to be very natural, since any artifacts would be revealed by our amps. After trying various options, we chose the Analog Devices AD1865 R2R DAC chip, which is sometimes called the “vinyl DAC,” for its organic sound. It is a non-oversampling DAC, with no digital filters, for the purest sound. The AD1865 is much-loved by audiophiles, and is used by at least one hifi company in a flagship DAC costing over $150,000.
Power Supply
The quality of a DAC's power supply is pivotal to its sound, and LTA is known for its superior power supplies. The power supply in the Aero is derived from David Berning’s iconic Pre-One, and employs separate power supplies, individually isolated for each part of the circuit. The power supply is integrated into the case of the Aero, and uses a choke-filtered circuit and high-end Belleson regulators for clean current. Combined there is over 300,000uF of storage capacitance in the Aero DAC.
Analog DAC Interface
Another major factor that determines the sound quality of a DAC is its analog DAC interface, called the I/V stage. Most high quality DAC chips output current. The current needs to be changed to voltage and is then sent to the output stage. Some DACs use passive conversion with resistors or transformers. Neither of these methods present the same load to the DAC chip across its performance band, which is problematic. We have developed a discrete, active I/V stage that solves this problem and results in enhanced speed, detail, and soundstage.
Output Stage
The output stage is where we bring in the magic of David Berning’s ZOTL circuit. The Aero uses our latest multi-stage impedance converter and a pure Class-A balanced design to generate exceedingly low output impedance from its RCA and XLR outputs, which means it plays nicely with tube or solid state preamps and integrated amps. The Aero ships with 12SN7 output tubes, but 6SN7 tubes can be used with the flip of a switch on the back panel.
