DCS Network Bridge? Aqua LinQ Streamer?

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.

@designsfx  Yes i also still have my LinQ - Formula Rev 2 combo.

I use them paired with a fanless Roon Rock NUC powered by a Farad Super 3 LPS.

What's new in my system well i sold my Gryphon Diablo 300 and replaced it by a Vitus SIA-025 Mk2.

My speakers just didn't like the Diablo 300.

Otherwise i added a FMC and a Sonore Optical Module between my PP Quad Switch and LinQ, this was a great upgrade.

I'm also in the process of upgrading most of my LAN cables except the PP ones.

I now have a Pink Faun LAN cable and ordered 2 more to replace my 2 Mad Scientist Black Magic.

Also ordered many Isoacoustics footers and 2 more Artesania Dampers.

A friend of mine has ordered the Farad Super 10 to drive his Roon Nucleus therefore i should be able to make a shootout in my system against the Super 3 and see if that brings something for my streaming.

Anyway still very happy with my LinQ-Formula combo.

I would be curious to try and make a shootout between my Formula DAC and the Totaldac D1-Direct + External Clock.

@sbonamo Did you get the Totaldac gear on loan from Vincent for like 2 weeks and returned it ?