Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC (New)

Note: All units are built-to-order and handmade in our small workshop in Maryland. Please allow 3-4 weeks for your unit to ship.

Email us at [email protected] with any questions.

The Aero DAC is Linear Tube Audio’s first-ever digital-to-analog converter, and the world’s first DAC using ZOTL technology.

Features & Benefits

• R2R Ladder DAC: No oversampling and no digital filters for organic sound
• 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 in our Takoma Park, MD workshop
• Roon Tested: Certified integration with Roon for easy plug-n-play setup

Reviews & Testimonials

“The Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC is, I think, the best DAC I’ve heard short of far more expensive options…” Lachlan @ Passion For Sound

> Watch Review on YouTube

“In my system, Linear Tube Audio's Aero DAC presented recordings with connoisseur-level NOS R-2R sound, which I would characterize as naturally transparent and unstressed. But it rose above this generic R-2R aesthetic by virtue of its extreme clarity, timbral beauty, and fit, athletic boogie factor.” ~Herb Reichert, Stereophile Magazine

> Read Stereophile Review

“I coined a term in a past review where I referred to a piece of gear as being a ‘disruptive product’ because it insanely snapped the cost vs. performance ratio. The Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC is such a product.” ~Terry London, Stereo Times

> Read Stereo Times Review

What’s Inside the Aero

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.

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)
• Dimensions:
  • Width: 17in
  • Depth: 10in (10.5 in including connectors)
  • Height: 3in (not including tubes), ~4.5in (with stock tubes installed)
• Weight: Approx 15 lbs