Aero DAC Upgrade Program

The Aero was LTA’s first digital-to-analog converter and, for that reason, we kept the supporting features rather simple. After a few years of research, we decided now would be a good time to update with some of our recently discovered sound quality improvements. Through changes in the output stage and power supply architecture, this upgrade path offers a clearer background, deeper soundstage, and noticeably refined detail. For most customers, the Aero DAC is an end-game product, satisfying their personal listening goals. However, we’re always looking for new ways to improve the audio performance.

With all that in mind, we’re happy to announce not one, but two upgrade paths for the Aero DAC.

AERO+ & AERO+ SE (Special Edition) Production Upgrades

Aero+:

• Refined audio signal path: Lower total harmonic distortion (THD) for a cleaner, more transparent presentation with less coloration from the DAC itself.

• Revised power supply: Improved power factor correction (PFC) for more efficient power delivery and a cleaner, more stable foundation for the digital and analog stages.

• Aero’s signature sound preserved: Retains the tonal character, natural timbre, and expansive soundstage of the original Aero DAC, with refinements focused on transparency and performance.

Aero+ SE (Special Edition):

Includes all Aero+ improvements, plus the following enhancements:

• Upgraded power supply with passive PFC: Incorporates a large 15 mH choke and increased storage capacitance to block rectifier-generated noise and noise arriving through the AC line.

• Separate power supply enclosure: Moves the transformer and choke into an external chassis, reducing magnetic interference with the sensitive digital and analog circuitry inside the DAC.

• Selected audio-path components: Specially selected components further refine performance and help reduce noise and distortion.

• Lower noise floor: Designed to reveal more low-level information, particularly in quiet passages, subtle transients, and the natural decay of notes.

• Greater potential in revealing systems: The noise reduction may be especially noticeable with sensitive loudspeakers and in very quiet listening environments.

• Same fundamental sonic character: Preserves the Aero+ DAC architecture, tube output stage, connectivity, tonal balance, and expansive soundstage while focusing on lowering the noise floor and refining overall performance.

• Additional installation space required: The separate power supply chassis requires additional room on the equipment rack or shelf.

Upgrade as You Go

Owning an 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.

If you own the original Aero
The Aero+ upgrade adds an improved signal path for lower THD, and a revised power supply with improved filtering. The SE goes further with a larger external power supply, described below. Aero owners can upgrade to either.

If you own the Aero+
The Aero+ SE adds three things:

• True passive PFC, using a large 15mH choke and increased storage capacitance, to completely block rectifier noise and noise coming in on the AC line.

• An external enclosure for the larger toroidal transformer and choke, which keeps their magnetic fields out of the digital and audio circuits.

• Specially selected components in the audio path.

Please note: Upgrading an original Aero to the Aero+ or Aero+ SE does not add the I2S/IIS or AES3 digital inputs.

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.”

How It Works

1. Place your upgrade order

2. Wait for LTA to contact you with return shipping instructions.

3. Pack your Aero securely in its original box and packaging (if you don’t have the original packaging, let us know).

4. When we receive your DAC, we’ll do the upgrades and ship it back to you ASAP after play-testing and burn-in (see note below). Please note that each upgrade takes about a full working day to complete.

5. Enjoy!

A note on burn-in:

The upgraded parts take quite a bit of burn-in to offer consistently high quality sound. We recommend 200+ hours prior to critical listening.

We prefer to burn in the upgrades here, which we do at no charge, so your DAC arrives to you sounding great. If you would like to get your DAC back without our burn-in service, let us know when you order.

To accelerate the burn-in process, play music through your DAC 24/7 . You can turn your other components off during periods you don’t want music playing out loud without affecting the burn-in process.

Return policy: there are no returns or refunds on upgrades. All sales final.