Aero+ DAC
Aero+ DAC
The Aero+ builds on everything that made the original special: a distinctly analog-like presentation with stunning realism, rich timbre, lifelike texture, and remarkable detail. Named for its enormous soundstage, it places you in the room with the performers, with exceptional three-dimensional separation between every voice and instrument. Now it goes even further.
PREORDER: Note that this product is expected to begin shipping December 2026.
Aero+ DAC by Linear Tube Audio
Digital music with the richness and depth of analog
The Aero+ DAC builds on the original, combining revolutionary ZOTL vacuum tube technology with the much-loved AD1865 R2R DAC chip for a sound that's organic, lifelike, and truly exceptional. Rediscover your favorite music with a DAC that brings the richness and depth of vinyl to digital playback.
The sound is rich, yet accurate. Acoustic instruments are startlingly real. With live recordings, the performers are simply there, and so are you. The breaths, the saxophone keys clacking, the fingers sliding along the strings: every micro-detail is served up with striking realism, immersing you in the music and the reality of the original performance, without ever becoming harsh or artificial.
What’s new with the Aero+?
The Aero+ adds two additional digital inputs, I²S and AES3, so it connects to a wider range of transports, streamers, and professional sources, including those that offer the cleanest, highest stability digital handoff available.
A refined DAC interface lowers total harmonic distortion, which means less of the DAC's own coloration between the recording and your ears and a more faithful, transparent result.
A revised power supply with improved power factor correction draws and delivers power more efficiently and cleanly, giving the tube and DAC stages a more stable foundation. It all adds up to more flexibility in how you connect and a purer presentation of the music, with the Aero's signature timbre and huge soundstage intact.
Why the AERO+ SE (Special Edition) version?
What we have found is the bigger and better the power supply is, the sound quality follows. The best way to control power supply noise is to make the power supply external. The SE version sports a much bigger, external supply. Five times the storage capacity and a new noise lowering choke dramatically improves all aspects of the sound quality. The Aero+ SE provides a lower noise floor, with a noticeably blacker background, more stable and precise imaging, a deeper soundstage, and a greater sense of ease and flow.
The Aero+ SE has the same DAC chip, tube output stage, inputs, and sonic character as the Aero+. The changes are in the power supply, the physical layout, and the audio-path components.
Power supply. The SE uses true passive PFC, built around a large 15mH choke and a higher-voltage-rated transformer. The choke blocks ripple noise generated by the rectifier and noise arriving on the incoming AC line, so less of it reaches the DAC and audio circuits.
External enclosure. The larger toroidal transformer and the choke are housed in a separate box. Transformers and chokes give off magnetic fields, and moving them out of the main chassis keeps that EMI away from the sensitive digital and analog circuitry. There is an umbilical cord that connects with XLR connectors between the external box and the Aero+.
Audio-path components. Specially selected parts in the audio path reduce distortion.
Because the power supply lives in a second chassis, the SE needs extra space on the rack or shelf.
UPGRADE AS YOU GO
Owning an original Aero doesn't mean starting over to get the latest improvements. The Aero upgrade program is designed so you can move up at your own pace and keep the unit you already know.
What the Experts Are Saying
Herb Reichert, Stereophile Magazine
“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.”
Terry London, Stereo Times
“I have had vast experience with many highly regarded DACs, reviewed many, and own three highly regarded ones. Two of them exceed the price of the Aero by at least $10,000 or more, yet the LTA Aero DAC easily hangs with them regarding performance and the amount of musical pleasure I derive in listening to it.”
Lachlan Fennen, Passion For Sound
“It’s tonality, naturalness, and timbre is as good as anything I’ve heard at any price. In other words, the LTA Aero DAC is the best DAC I’ve heard short of far more expensive options.”
Steve Guttenberg, The Audiophiliac
“You are just drawn into the music because you feel the musician’s enthusiasm, their energy is coming through so well. That’s what really makes the Aero special.”
“The Aero stands out from that crowd by offering a natural sense of ease combined with a level of richness and resolution that keeps things real and exciting. If you’re looking for non-digital digital sound that won’t break the bank, LTA has designed a DAC for you.”
Why the Aero+ is Different
Vacuum Tube Tone and Timbre
Thanks to the unique LTA output transformer-less ZOTL design, the output stage provide exceptional naturalness, and life-like tonality, with rich, engaging musicality. You are in the music, forgetting about your gear. Our unique design also provide 3 times the tube life and 1/3 the heat of all other conventional tube amplifiers. The tubes provide a warm sound, without losing the micro-detail typical with other tube topologies.
AD1865 DAC Chip
We chose the Analog Devices AD1865 R2R DAC chip. nicknamed the "vinyl DAC" for its organic analog sound. This non-oversampling chip, provides the purest sound without digital filters or over-sampling algorithms. These algorithms and filters can add artifacts and make the sound less realistic and natural, which you can hear. This same DAC chip is used by other manufacturers whose DACs cost many times more.
Power Supply
The Aero+ features six separate, individually isolated power supplies with over 900,000μF of combined storage capacitance. This power system ensures a large power reservoir, significantly enhancing dynamics and overall sound quality. We use a unique topology that provides much more musicality than typical linear power supplies.
Input Stage
Instead of conventional USB and SPDIF chips, the Aero+ uses a powerful ARM processor for its input stage. This chipset, developed by a company with 20 years of digital frontend experience, provides superior instrument separation and plug-n-play ease of use on all platforms.
DAC Interface
This unique Berning inspired, LTA-designed DAC interface - which converts the DAC’s current to voltage, then passes it to the output stage - presents a consistent load to the DAC chip across its performance band. Superior to the transformers, opamps and resistor loads typically used by other DAC manufacturers, provides a much wider soundstage, improved detail, and better instrument separation. This section has been revamped for the Aero+ for even better performance.
Output Stage
The output stage is where we bring in the magic of David Berning’s patented ZOTL vacuum tube circuit. This pure Class-A balanced design, directly coupled without capacitors, delivers a 3D soundstage, dynamic range, and musical transparency that is characteristic of ZOTL technology. The tubes are auto-biased, so that tube rolling is easy and automatic. Protection circuitry insures circuit safety in the event of any tube failure.
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 for natural tonality and 3D imaging
Zero Negative Feedback: No global or local feedback for timbral accuracy and enhanced transient response
Balanced XLR Outputs: Enhanced signal quality and crystal clear audio
Five Inputs: USB, Optical, Coax, I²S, and AES inputs for flexible connectivity - all play 24-bit / 192kHz files/streams
Digital Galvanic Isolation: Blocks noise from music sources entering the DAC circuit
Six dedicated power supplies with advanced low noise regulation, exceptional musicality, and over 900,000uF of capacitance for reserve voltage storage
Direct-Coupled Topology: No capacitors in the signal path
Advanced Protection: Circuitry to protect downstream components from tube failures
Easy Tube Swapping: Fully exposed tubes and simple toggle switch for using either 6SN7 or 12SN7 output tubes
Plug & Play: No drivers needed for Windows or Mac
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
Testimonials from Satisfied Customers
“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.” ~MM
“LTA has hit another bases loaded home run... All of those 12SN7 tubes in the audio chain allow the operatic vocals to sound rich, luscious, liquid honey sweet, and laid back. Hall ambience is easy to hear and I feel like I'm seated in 4th row center.” ~SB
“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.” ~RG
“I did play a couple songs I know well with my [well-known R2R DAC] and then the same tracks with the Aero, which killed my old DAC. Way more texture and richness to the music without sacrificing detail. Smooth and full sounding, plus dynamic. Fit and finish of the case is very impressive as well.” ~ CB
“I'm very pleased with the improvement over what I currently have. I have a [popular R2R DAC] The Aero just sounds better to me and the [other DAC] is no slouch having been reviewed highly and praised by many. I also was very impressed by the new look of the Aero. Great packaging btw. Overall, I think you could be asking and getting more for the unit.” ~DH
“I love this DAC so much, been listening to it every day since it arrived. “~JC
“I have had another DAC with the same chip through here and the difference in sound is startling. In fact the sound is different than pretty well anything I have had in the system period. Interesting blend of natural tonality, intensity, clarity and detail without becoming harsh. Nothing laid back about this presentation but rather engaging which is refreshing. Fit and finish are really good, though understated in looks the quality of the build is obvious. Shipping box well organized. Really well done.” ~JG
“A revelatory listening experience. Even compared to vinyl playback, the Aero stunned me with its stage depth, tonal realism, and dynamic coherence. Vocals and acoustic instruments are rendered with astonishing texture and life. Bass is remarkably tight, extended, and integrated. The midrange is shockingly lifelike. In short: the Aero DAC is the real deal.” ~RG
“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.” ~Mark M.
“All fancy audiophile talk aside, this thing is just a joy. It has that remarkably LTA thing about it in the way that it reveals so much while remaining warm and dead neutral. Listening, I feel like the Aero is sacrificing or compromising nothing.” ~Mike M.
“Out of the box already nothing else I have sounds better. All those positive comments are not overstated at all, and it even outperformed my [other DAC] which cost me 3x the price of Aero.” ~Toto L.
“Day three with my Aero and I will not even try to explain what I'm hearing or feeling other than say it is the greatest audio experience I've had. I hope many people can hear this DAC for themselves. In the end, I am beyond pleased.” ~Sam C.
Specifications
Inputs: USB, RCA Coax, Toslink / Optical, I²S (PS Audio standard), AES3
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: 0.3% @ Max output
XLR: 0.1% @ Max output
Frequency Response: -0.3dB at 20Hz and -0.8dB at 20kHz
Tube Complement: 2 x 12SN7 (6SN7 tubes can also be used)
Power Consumption: 33W, 8W at standby mode
Input Power: 120/230 +/-10% User Selectable
Dimensions:
Width: 17in
Depth: 10in (10.5 in including connectors)
Height: 3in (not including tubes), ~4.5in (with stock tubes installed)
Weight: Aero+: 11.5lbs (5.2kg) Aero+ SE: 18lbs (8.16kg) with PSU
FAQs
The Story of the Aero+: LTA’s First DAC, Refined
Engineering a Legacy of Natural Sound
LTA amplifiers are known for their natural, detailed sound and holographic presentation, faithfully reproducing the nuances of the original performance. Our goal was to create a DAC that offered the same realism and musicality.
Design and Engineering
We explored multiple output stages, various DAC output current-to-voltage conversion techniques, and different input stage designs. David Berning contributed his expertise on power supplies, interfaces, and output stages. The design team developed a new output stage—a single-ended circuit with a balanced output and direct coupling, eliminating the need for inter-stage coupling capacitors. The DAC interface is also our proprietary design, while the power supply circuits were inspired by Berning’s flagship preamp. The digital input section uses an ARM processor instead of typically used SPDIF chips.
Component Selection and Sound Tuning
Every aspect of the design was meticulously voiced for sound quality. With extensive experience evaluating the sonic characteristics of parts from various manufacturers, the selection process took months of listening and comparison, always favoring a warmer, more analog sound. The analog section starts with a proprietary circuit with a balanced output, followed by four single-ended amplification stages that form the balanced ZOTL output stage. The chosen DAC chip is the AD1865 by Analog Devices—an R2R DAC chip, no longer in production and known as the “Vinyl DAC” for its slightly creamy sound.
Input Section
The input stage is managed by an ARM processor. We license a module that handles USB, coaxial, optical, I²S, and AES inputs, developed by experts with decades of DAC experience. This design provides superior instrument separation and lower noise.
Power Supply Design
The Aero+ features a hybrid power supply beginning with a low-noise linear section, followed by a fully discrete DC-DC converter modeled after David Berning’s Pre-One preamp. This converter produces isolated voltage rails that are then filtered and further regulated using additional low-noise linear stages. Each voltage rail undergoes at least four separate filtering stages, with a combined filter capacitance of over 300,000 µF, all contributing to the DAC’s analog sound quality. In addition, we use a different linear supply design that enhances musicality.
Enhanced Board Layout and Component Integration
In line with our recent designs, including the MicroZOTL Level 3, the Aero+ uses higher-performance surface-mount components and an optimized board layout. Closer component placement reduces noise and improves performance, allowing for better results than some existing ZOTL designs while maintaining cost efficiency.
Mechanical Design and User Experience
The casework is a modern interpretation of classic wooden tube amplifier chassis, crafted in machined aluminum. Moving away from the typical box-with-a-faceplate design, the Aero’s 4 sided machined aluminum case is intended to stand alone and be viewed from all sides. This design not only enhances aesthetics but also distributes mass evenly to improve vibration control. Additionally, the layout makes the tubes more visible and allows for easy tube replacement without removing the cover. We also paid special attention to the indicator LEDs, using a warm, natural glow with a carefully chosen diffuser and filter to ensure minimal glare.
Sound Presentation and Naming
When testing the new DAC output current-to-voltage (I/V) section, we noted a remarkably deep and wide soundstage with clear separation of performers. The natural presentation of tone and timbre led us to name the product the Aero—Greek for “air.” The Aero+ features updates to this I/V stage for more consistent performance from both outputs.
Final Thoughts
The Aero+ is a significant step forward in DAC design. It integrates high-performance components and advanced design techniques while remaining true to our commitment to non-oversampling analog-like sound, and realistic musical reproduction—all in a design that complements LTA’s existing preamps and amplifiers, as well as all others. It was a remarkable insight to us how much a higher quality input lifts the overall sound quality of any hi-fi system.
