American audio manufacturer Linear Tube Audio (LTA) has announced two new digital-to-analog converters, the Aero+ and Aero+ SE, replacing the original Aero introduced in 2024. While retaining the original architecture built around an R-2R resistor ladder DAC and a ZOTL vacuum tube output stage based on technology developed by David Berning, the company has extensively redesigned the internal circuitry. The upgrades focus on digital connectivity, signal conversion, and power supply design. According to LTA, these improvements deliver greater accuracy and detail while preserving the distinctive sonic character of the original Aero.
Both DACs feature the 18-bit Analog Devices AD1865 chip with an R-2R architecture, operating in Non-Oversampling (NOS) mode without digital oversampling or reconstruction filters. Incoming digital signals are handled by a new ARM-based processing module, which adds AES3 and I²S inputs with the PS Audio pinout to the existing USB-B, coaxial, and optical connections. Compatibility with the Roon platform is also confirmed through Roon Tested certification. Significant changes have been made to the analog circuitry as well, with a redesigned current-to-voltage conversion stage generating distortion components that partially cancel those produced by the single-ended tube output stage. This approach reduces overall distortion without relying on negative feedback. Meanwhile, the proprietary ZOTL circuit continues to operate in Class A, eliminating conventional output transformers and coupling capacitors from the signal path.
The main distinguishing feature of the flagship Linear Tube Audio Aero+ SE is its external power supply, which houses the toroidal transformer and filter choke in a separate enclosure. Physically isolating these components is intended to minimize electromagnetic interference and reduce noise in the DAC's sensitive circuitry. The power supply incorporates passive power factor correction with a 15mH choke, additional filtering, and increased-capacitance storage capacitors. The Special Edition also benefits from carefully selected components in the analog signal path. According to the manufacturer, these refinements provide a quieter background, more precise instrument imaging, and improved soundstage depth. Otherwise, the Aero+ SE shares the same fundamental design as the standard model, including its DAC chip, tube architecture, and digital connectivity.
Linear Tube Audio is also offering owners of the original Aero a factory upgrade program, priced at $900 for conversion to Aero+ specifications or $1,800 for the Aero+ SE upgrade. However, upgraded units will not receive the additional AES3 and I²S inputs, which are exclusive to newly manufactured models. The Linear Tube Audio Aero+ carries a suggested retail price of $4,400, while the Aero+ SE with its external power supply is priced at $5,800. A 15% introductory discount is available during the preorder period, bringing the respective prices down to $3,740 and $4,930. Both models are manufactured in Takoma Park, Maryland, with initial shipments expected to begin in December 2026.
