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About the Aero+
The Aero+ develops LTA’s original DAC with additional digital connections, a refined DAC interface and revised power-supply circuitry.
At its heart is the Analog Devices AD1865 R2R converter, operated without oversampling or digital reconstruction filters. LTA pairs this architecture with its own analogue circuitry, pursuing a presentation that combines tonal richness with clarity and musical involvement.
ZOTL Vacuum Tube Output Stage
The balanced Class-A output stage uses David Berning’s patented ZOTL technology. Direct coupling eliminates signal-path coupling capacitors, while the circuit operates without local or global negative feedback.
Two exposed sockets allow easy tube replacement. The Aero+ accepts 12SN7 and 6SN7 tubes using a selector switch, with automatic bias adjustment and protection circuitry for tube faults.
A Refined DAC Interface
Between the AD1865 converter and the tube output stage sits LTA’s proprietary current-to-voltage conversion circuit.
This interface is designed to maintain a consistent load on the DAC chip. Revised for the Aero+, it reduces distortion and forms a central part of LTA’s approach to preserving detail and spatial information through the analogue signal path.
Dedicated Power Architecture
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.
Five Digital Inputs
USB, coaxial S/PDIF and optical inputs are joined by I²S and AES3, expanding compatibility with dedicated streamers, servers and digital transports.
An ARM-based input platform handles incoming digital audio, with galvanic isolation between the digital sources and DAC circuitry. The Aero+ accepts PCM streams up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
The I²S input follows the PS Audio connection standard; compatibility should be checked with the source component.
Conversion
Analog Devices AD1865 R2R
Non-oversampling operation without digital reconstruction filters
Supported Audio
PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz
Digital Inputs
USB
Coaxial S/PDIF via RCA
Optical Toslink
I²S, PS Audio standard
AES3
Analogue Outputs
Stereo RCA and balanced XLR
Output Level
RCA: 2.2 V RMS
XLR: 4.4 V RMS
Output Impedance
RCA: 70 Ω
XLR: 140 Ω
THD+N at Maximum Output
RCA: 0.3%
XLR: 0.1%
Frequency Response
−0.3 dB at 20 Hz
−0.8 dB at 20 kHz
Output Tubes
2 × 12SN7
6SN7 compatible using the selector switch
Power Consumption
33 W operating
8 W standby
Mains Supply
120/230 V AC ±10%, user-selectable
Dimensions, W × D × H
432 × 254 × 76 mm, excluding tubes and connectors
Approximately 114 mm high with stock tubes
Approximately 267 mm deep including connectors
Weight
5.2 kg
Manufacture
Designed and built in Takoma Park, Maryland, USA