Aqua LinQ

Anyone has experience with the new LinQ network player?





FEATURES
• Proprietary fully-floating hybrid 2-stage Network + FPGA module with proprietary code
• Uncompromising digital interface AQlink PRO (I2S protocol)
• 4 future-proof network protocols (modules). Available now: Roon Ready bridge (RAAT) and UPnP DLNA
• 2 separate low noise C-Core power transformers for network circuitry and digital decoding
• MODULAR DESIGN with upgradeable multi board platform
• High-quality parts
• Input:
n. 1 standard RJ-45 connector for the ETHERNET network
No network configuration is required (DHCP system).
• Outputs:
n. 1 Ethercon RJ-45 connector for the AQlink I2S signal
n. 2 XLR 110 ohm connectors for the dual-AES/EBU signal (PCM 24 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max)
n. 1 XLR 110 ohm connector for the AES/EBU signal (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
n. 1 BNC 75 ohm connector for the S/PDIF signal (PCM 24 bit 192kHz max)
n. 1 RCA connector for the S/PDIF (IEC-60958) signal (PCM 24 bit 192kHz max)
• OLED display with user off-selectable illumination
• RC5 IR remote controller (optional)
• Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
• Designed and handmade in Italy LinQ.jpg
 
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Is there any way to make the LinQ as RoonCore/EndPoint? I have no desire to run Roon on another computer in the house.

Alternatively, does LinQ have an OS that rivals ease of use/effective lateral search capability of Roon?
 
Hi guys, if i decide to use a Waversa Wcore v2 with roon core installed and get the HQPlayer module for LinQ how does that work together ?
 
"The addition of the HQPlayer module allows using Roon and all of its benefits along with even better sound than was possible using the now-discontinued RoonReady module. Additionally, Aqua’s modularity ensures that the product remains up to date. I fully stand by my original conclusion that the Aqua LinQ is nothing less than a milestone product. It is the very best network endpoint that I have heard and I enthusiastically recommend an audition!” Christiaan Puntner, hifi-advice.com"

Waversa WCore 2.0 runs any of the three protocols: DLNA, ROON RAAT and their own proprietary WNDR (buffer-less Ethernet protocol).


Judging from the statement above and their website, I speculate the engineers LinQ chose not to pay the licensing fee for ROON RAAT (and be verified) and found a work around using HQAPlayer. In this process the new module design had sonic benefits making the old module obsolete.

In the case of the WCore 2.0, your ROON controller (iPhone/iPad/computer) would see LinQ under Audio endpoint under ROON Player (aka ROON RAAT) 'unverified'. Otherwise it would connect using DLNA. The setup should be strait forward.
 
"The addition of the HQPlayer module allows using Roon and all of its benefits along with even better sound than was possible using the now-discontinued RoonReady module. Additionally, Aqua’s modularity ensures that the product remains up to date. I fully stand by my original conclusion that the Aqua LinQ is nothing less than a milestone product. It is the very best network endpoint that I have heard and I enthusiastically recommend an audition!” Christiaan Puntner, hifi-advice.com"

Waversa WCore 2.0 runs any of the three protocols: DLNA, ROON RAAT and their own proprietary WNDR (buffer-less Ethernet protocol).


Judging from the statement above and their website, I speculate the engineers LinQ chose not to pay the licensing fee for ROON RAAT (and be verified) and found a work around using HQAPlayer. In this process the new module design had sonic benefits making the old module obsolete.

In the case of the WCore 2.0, your ROON controller (iPhone/iPad/computer) would see LinQ under Audio endpoint under ROON Player (aka ROON RAAT) 'unverified'. Otherwise it would connect using DLNA. The setup should be strait forward.
Yes but do you need to install HQPlayer on the Wcore 2.0 to be able to use it with roon and get better sound quality from roon?
That's what i don't get.
 
Either the LinQ processes the HQPlayer NAA Ethernet protocol or uses HQPlayer processing algorithms for better sound, or both. Hopefully they will chime in.

I am certain you do not need to install HQPlayer to run ROON, since this would limit the versatility of the LinQ.
 
Either the LinQ processes the HQPlayer NAA Ethernet protocol or uses HQPlayer processing algorithms for better sound, or both. Hopefully they will chime in.

I am certain you do not need to install HQPlayer to run ROON, since this would limit the versatility of the LinQ.
Thanks, i will ask Cristian from Aqua to explain me how that works.
 
There is no license fee to be certified Roon Ready. A decision was made not to pursue Roon certification for several reasons. One of the pillars of Aqua is modularity and if Aqua proceeded with Roon Certification it would have essentially created a situation where Roon would constantly have to be involved with each new module/upgrade for the LinQ. This alone made it impossible for Aqua to agree to such oversight. Having an outside company "approving" future R&D wasn't acceptable.

The HQPlayer NAA has simply a higher SQ vs Raat and without any bureaucratic obligation.

The future LinQ core for HQPlayer will have zero-setup and a user-friendly UI. Plug and play, just the IP address to write in the Roon settings (for HQP).
 
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There is no license fee to be certified Roon Ready. A decision was made not to pursue Roon certification for several reasons. One of the pillars of Aqua is modularity and if Aqua proceeded with Roon Certification it would have essentially created a situation where Roon would constantly have to be involved with each new module/upgrade for the LinQ. This alone made it impossible for Aqua to agree to such oversight. Having an outside company "approving" future R&D wasn't acceptable.

The HQPlayer NAA has simply a higher SQ vs Raat and without any bureaucratic obligation.

The future LinQ core for HQPlayer will have zero-setup and a user-friendly UI. Plug and play, just the IP address to write in the Roon settings (for HQP).
Thanks, any idea when this LinQ core for HQPlayer will be available ?
 
I also would not tolerate such oversight. If the LinQ core also gives the consumer the option of not using ROON by LinQ's own user interface, this would add increased versatility and marketability. I have numerous customers that for various reasons do not desire to use ROON, in part the $700 USD lifetime subscription fee. After some research (thanks to this thread) I hope to audition one -- looks like an excellent product.
 
For the music enthusiast that streams music, some great news in 2021


I’ve been hinting at some big news coming from Aqua and here’s the first...A new HQPlayer Core module (server) a custom embedded version.

High efficiency, low absorption, incredible performance thanks to the new ARM i. MX 8 (aarch 64bit). Simply unthinkable until recently, a sound quality never attained through streaming device before.
 

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For the music enthusiast that streams music, some great news in 2021


I’ve been hinting at some big news coming from Aqua and here’s the first...A new HQPlayer Core module (server) a custom embedded version.

High efficiency, low absorption, incredible performance thanks to the new ARM i. MX 8 (aarch 64bit). Simply unthinkable until recently, a sound quality never attained through streaming device before.
I'm waiting for this version.
 
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Me too. BTW, the HQP module trounced the ROON module (no longer available). Will be interesting to see how it compares to my DIY music PC with 4 LPSUs. I'm betting the LinQ HQP Core server module is better.
 
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