DCS Network Bridge? Aqua LinQ Streamer?

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.

I do still have the LinQ and the Formula. I redid my music server with the latest Intel chipset, M.2 SSDs, lines with copper sheets / copper weights and 3M EMI / RFI shielding and there is a not - so - subtle uptick in dimension and tonal accuracy especially with acoustic instruments. Another data point - I demo'd the TotalDAC D1- Direct which is the only TotalDAC with R2R direct output other than the D1- Twelve. My demo unit had the built - in streamer card. My existing setup was noticeably better. How much closer or possibly better the TotalDAC is with the external streamer vs. the in - unit streamer I don't know, but it made me hesitate towards considering the TotalDAC twelve. Based on my experience when funds permit, I may pursue MSB. I hope this helps.

@sbonamo 

It seems that you rely heavily on your modded PC as a part of this system. As I have really no experience or understanding of the difference how would you rate the LinQ if its role were to be a standalone solution for streaming?

if you would- please describe what role the PC plays in this and how it boosts the overall quality of your setup As you can tell- I’m not in the streaming business.