DCS Network Bridge? Aqua LinQ Streamer?

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 ?

@thieliste Yes, you're correct, I did get the TD gear on loan from Vincent and returned it. 

@designsfx WRT the LinQ stand - alone which in my case was employing the HQPlayer core, it sounded excellent and on par with my at the time music server. I was one of the first to try the LinQ core and I ended up returning it because it could not do upsampling via its low powered / low performance processor.  Whether there have been improvements in since, I don't know but again, it was pretty much indistinguishable versus my server at that time in terms of sound quality (excellent IMO).

WRT my PC's role - it acts as an HQPlayer and ROON server. In either situation I output to the LinQ via an HQplayer stream (local files or streaming).  Also, and I think I mentioned previously (apologies if I'm repeating myself) my DIY server outpaced the Innuos statement in this capacity. And my Music PC + LinQ further outpaced the Statement when feeding my DAC. I hope this helps.