The Article
LINK II USB Network Bridge From Stack Audio
2nd September 2020
It takes music files and turns them into “pure, clean digital data for an audiophile level input” to a DAC
The LINK II is a digital audio bridge that accepts music files streamed from Internet subscription services (i.e. Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz etc.) or music files that you might already own and links them to your HiFi system.
Improvements over the original LINK? The critical master clock circuit has been upgraded. This addition has reduced the clock’s noise levels by 50%.
The operating system software has been streamlined so fewer computing resources are necessary.
For Roon users, the software has been further optimised.
There’s Open Home protocol support, this is so the LINK II appears as a OH zone.
The LINK OS previously worked with UPnP, Roon and Airplay but, in addition to the previously supported software, the new LINK OS now supports Squeezelite and Liberspot (Spotify Connect). Furthermore, the new OS will soon support HQ player end point.
DSD256 is now supported, a step up from DSD128 in the original LINK.
It will ship with the new software. Existing owners can upgrade to the new software platform should they wish. Customers should contact Stack Audio directly.
Available now in Silver or Black, price is £725
To learn more, click www.stackaudio.co.uk
Looking forward to your review and comments on this product.
Great article Paul on the Link 2 Network bridge from AudioStacks can’t wait for you to do a Review on it !
Hi,
Can this fit between the Innuos Zen 3, an the Denafrips Aries 2 please?
Regards,
Mario
Hi Mario – I asked the company and it replied with, “Yes. Option 1 could be to connect the Innuos to the LINK via a USB cable, and the LINK to the DAC also via a USB cable. This way the LINK will run as a USB reclocker. Option 2. The other way would be to use the Innuos as solely a server and the LINK as an endpoint. So the files are sent to the LINK over ethernet.”
Th two USB A input sockets found on the Link 1 (front and rear) no longer function. At the moment the Link 11 is not an upgrade option from, for example, an Auralic Aries Mini if music files are held on an external USB HDD. The only work around is to connect he HDD to a computer and route the audio output to the USB B reclocker input on the Link 11. It is a regression from the Link 1, as the HDMI input has also lost its function.
Stack Audio state the design was optimised for streaming and the issue of connecting external drives will be addressed in the future.
In the meantime. is there a device which is an audio upgrade on the Aries Mini, which must be one of the mosst versatile devices to come to market. It has everything and the facility to act as a streamer. My only complaint is the Lighting app is iOS only – although there is a UPNP work around for that as well. There was a hint that a mid-price replacement was being considered when the Mini was discontinued; however there has been no further indication from Auralic that a similar entry level device is on their road map.
The devices that come nearest that I can find are the Lindemann Network, Leema Streamer, Metrum Acoustics Streamers, SoTM Neo and the Blue Sound Node with the Link 1 being the closest.
Can you add to the list, Paul?
Will do, Ben.