Aqua LinQ Core Module

[Bmwsport007]

I've stated this in other posts but it bears repeating here, I think.

To get an idea how good the LinQ is in terms of sound quality - I bought an Innuos Statement and compared it to the LinQ + my DIY music PC and my setup was clearly better. Better in terms of 1) Clarity 2) spacial cue definition and tighter more articulate bass. The only nod that goes to the Statement is a bit more body, but IMO it was at the sacrifice to the bass clarity benefits.

However, if you want to upsample I don't believe the LinQ's HQP Core has the horsepower to do so. I run HQP as a straight pass - through no upsampling, no dither no filters and it sounds best to my ears in my system. YMMV.

Just out of interest you mention DIY pc - what brand of NUC & specs did you build. The reason I ask is I tried using my IMac with the Aqua LinQ & compared it to using Innuos Zenith MK3, it was clearly much better.

 

[sbo6]

Just out of interest you mention DIY pc - what brand of NUC & specs did you build. The reason I ask is I tried using my IMac with the Aqua LinQ & compared it to using Innuos Zenith MK3, it was clearly much better.

It is not a NUC it's a PC that is configured for ROON core + HQP front end. It contains an 11th Gen intel MB, i5 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, Samsung EVO 970 plus 250GB NVME M.2 SSD for Windows Server 2019, Samsung 870 4TB for music, JCAT ethernet XE powered by Paul Hynes SR4T LPSU, system powered by HDPlex HD500 with Ghent Xu cables. Systems sits on Isoacoustic Orea footers. It is lined with copper sheets under the motherboard and carefully placed 3M damping material. OS is highly optimized.

Also, I think you're saying that the Innuos Mk 3 was better than the IMac + LinQ? If so the culprit is the IMac IMO.

 

[matthias]

Just out of interest you mention DIY pc - what brand of NUC & specs did you build. The reason I ask is I tried using my IMac with the Aqua LinQ & compared it to using Innuos Zenith MK3, it was clearly much better.

Just for clarification:
Which was better? Mac plus LinQ or Innuos? Innuos alone or with LinQ?
Thanks

Matt

 

[jasond]

Just for clarification:
Which was better? Mac plus LinQ or Innuos? Innuos alone or with LinQ?
Thanks

Matt

Mac Mini M2 along with LinQ offers great flexibility and sound quality.

How are others about there experiences with LinQ?

 

[matthias]

Great review for LinQ with Core module together with JPLAY for iOS:

JPLAY for iOS

JPLAY is a wonderful app that offers a rich yet slick and easy-to-use interface combined with superb sound quality.

www.hifi-advice.com