DCS Network Bridge? Aqua LinQ Streamer?

Just like @sbonamo i ended up purchasing the Aqua Formula xHD Rev 2 + LinQ combo with the HQplayer Core module.Really happy with this combo paired with my Gryphon Diablo 300 and Thiel CS 3.7 speakers.I will probably get Totaldac flagship when i retire, meanwhile i'm enjoying this rig.

I was once interested in LinQ and Formula xHD but the in-home demo never panned out. Thanks to Colin@Gestalt Audio, I was finally able to hear Merging Technologies +NADAC in my home. All I can say, digital streaming and my rips never sounded so sublime. This DAC is all about transparency and audio purity! Finally a DAC that does complete justice to DSD files.

I have also added the Telegartner M12 Switch, a worthy which has been nothing short of icing on the cake. A switch like this is a ‘must’ for any serious high resolution digital streaming system.

As an added LinQ data point I recently picked up an Innuos Statement thinking it could replace my DIY music PC + the LinQ. Going into the eval I already knew that my combo was quite good having recently heard the Aurender W20 and the TotalDAC Twelve full stack in two stellar systems and mine certainly held its own. The result was that the LinQ was more transparent with more realistic instrument tone, better spacial due definition (less amorphous if that makes sense) and better dynamics. The only benefit if it suits your fancy was that the Statement had a bit more body but I found it less realistic. I also tried replacing my Music PC with the Statement via ethernet and the Statement sound was worse. The Statement is best via USB and so - so via streaming ethernet IMO. Since that compare I upgraded my JCAT femto NIC to the XE and employed additional optimizations (less processes running) and I'd surmise it would now be absolutely no contest. Keep in mind my combo is about $11K (music PC = $5k, LinQ = $6K) and the Statement is >=$15K so IME the LinQ is a bargain and the best streamer I've heard to date. YMMV.

Completely agree regarding the LinQ, i built a Roon Rock fanless NUC powered by a Farad Super3 LPS with SR Orange fuse going into my router this time powered by an Sbooster Mk2 LPS and from there going into my Paul Pang Quad switch and into my LinQ.Between router and Paul Pang Quad switch i have an SOTM ISO-CAT6 filter.Ethernet cables are a mix of Paul Pang Platinum-M and Mad Scientist Audio.Everything is plugged into an Audioquest Niagara 3000.My best Qobuz-Tidal streaming to date.

@sbonamo @thieliste 

Its been just over a year since this thread was active- I’m wondering if you’re still using the LinQ and if you can share thoughts on your experience with it so far.