The Linear Tube Audio Aero+ is the new version of the American company’s tube DAC. Made in Takoma Park, Maryland, it combines a classic R2R ladder DAC chip with a direct-coupled, fully balanced Class-A ZOTL tube output stage. Compared with the original Aero, the Linear Tube Audio Aero+ adds two extra digital inputs, a revised DAC interface for lower distortion and an improved power supply. There is also a new Aero+ SE with a separate, larger power supply.
Linear Tube Audio Aero+: R2R meets ZOTL
At the heart of the DAC sits the Analog Devices AD1865, a much-loved R2R ladder chip. It runs without oversampling and without digital filters, an approach that many listeners associate with a more natural, less processed sound. The output stage uses Linear Tube Audio’s ZOTL technology, the Zero hysteresis Output Transformer-Less circuit that the brand is known for from its amplifiers. It is Class A, fully balanced and works without global or local negative feedback.
The topology is direct-coupled, so there are no capacitors in the signal path. Protection circuitry guards the components further down your chain in case a tube fails.
What is new on the Aero+
Linear Tube Audio lists three main upgrades over the original Aero DAC. The first is connectivity: next to USB, coaxial and optical, the Linear Tube Audio Aero+ now also offers I²S (PS Audio standard) and AES3 inputs. All five inputs accept PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and the digital section is galvanically isolated. The second is a revised DAC interface, which the company says lowers total harmonic distortion. The third is a reworked power supply with improved power factor correction, built around six dedicated supplies.
Aero+ or Aero+ SE
The new Aero+ SE (Special Edition) keeps the same DAC chip, tube output stage, inputs and sonic character, but moves the power supply into a separate, larger enclosure, linked to the DAC with an XLR umbilical. You will need some extra shelf space, but separating the power supply from the sensitive audio circuits is a classic high-end recipe.
Tube rolling made easy
The two tubes sit exposed on top of the chassis. The Linear Tube Audio Aero+ ships with 12SN7 tubes, but a toggle switch lets you use 6SN7 types as well, and the tubes are auto-biased. That makes tube rolling simple. Linear Tube Audio also offers a Ray Reserve 6SN7 upgrade. The DAC is plug and play on Windows and Mac without drivers, and it is Roon Tested. If R2R DACs interest you, read our news on the compact LAiV Harmony uDAC too.
Pricing and availability
The Linear Tube Audio Aero+ is priced from $4,400 and can be pre-ordered now. Shipping is expected to start in December 2026. Pricing for the Aero+ SE and the tube upgrade, and European availability, have not been announced. More information is available on the Linear Tube Audio website.
Key specifications
- Type: tube DAC with R2R ladder chip
- DAC chip: Analog Devices AD1865 R2R, no oversampling, no digital filters
- Output stage: fully balanced Class-A ZOTL, direct-coupled, no negative feedback
- Inputs: USB, coaxial, optical, I²S, AES3 (all up to 24-bit/192 kHz)
- Outputs: RCA (70 Ω, 2.2 Vrms), XLR (140 Ω, 4.4 Vrms)
- THD+N: 0.3% (RCA), 0.1% (XLR) at maximum output
- Tubes: 2 x 12SN7 (6SN7 supported)
- Power consumption: 33 W, 8 W standby
- Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 3 in (W x D x H, without tubes)
- Weight: 5.2 kg (Aero+), 8.16 kg (Aero+ SE incl. power supply)
- Price: from $4,400
- Availability: shipping from December 2026
