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Aqua LinQ Network Interface | Audio Emotion
Aqua LinQ Network Interface | Audio Emotion
Aqua LinQ Network Interface | Audio Emotion

Product Description

The new LinQ was created following a precise idea. Fast and standard technical solutions do not belong to the aqua philosophy.
aqua has developed an extremely streamlined long-life platform and network bridge modules, focused on audio playback functions.
Aqua prefer to use know-how developed in-house, for a number of reasons in respect the aqua SQ standards. This has required a considerable effort in terms of time and resources, but the result is immediately evident on first use.

LinQ is a highly modular device, based on a series of completely independent units.
Each module performs a particular function, for which it is optimised.
Aqua will then have a Roon Ready (RAAT) module, a UPnP DLNA streaming module, etc.
Each module has its own dedicated power supply and plugs into a connector on the base platform of the device. In addition to the optimisation on the particular function, this architecture guarantees an exceptional possibility of future upgrades.

The communication lines of each module with the network are galvanically isolated. Note that further isolation is guaranteed by the fact that one of the modules is a LAN switch, developed internally by aqua. This is an important point: in fact, during the listening tests, and also in the laboratory ones, Aqua obtained the best results with the use of this architecture with built-in LAN switch.

Always having the sound result as an objective, LinQ does not use a USB interface: the output is on AQlink, the aqua I2S proprietary connection. In this way the "passage" on USB is skipped, avoid any losses in sound quality. Furthermore, proprietary circuits have been developed in the output FPGA, in order to implement the S/PDIF, AES/EBU and dual-AES outputs.

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:
    • ETHERNET network | n. 1 standard RJ-45 connector LAN
      No network configuration is required (DHCP system)
  • Outputs:
    • AQlink I2S | n. 1 Ethercon RJ-45 connector (PCM 32 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max)
    • Dual-AES/EBU (IEC 60958) | n. 2 XLR 110 ohm connectors (PCM 24 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max)
    • AES/EBU (IEC 60958-4) | n. 1 XLR 110 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
    • S/PDIF (IEC 60958-1) | n. 1 BNC 75 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
    • S/PDIF (IEC 60958-3) | n. 1 RCA connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
  • OLED display with user off-selectable illumination
  • RC5 IR remote controller (optional)
  • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
  • Designed and handmade in Italy
  • 5-year warranty

Specifications

Product Type
Streamers / Music Servers
Brand
Aqua Acoustics
Condition
New
Product Code
AQUA-LINQ

Customer reviews

(2 Customer reviews)
Write A Review
5 Stars
100%
4 Stars
0%
3 Stars
0%
2 Stars
0%
1 Stars
0%

...an articulate and revealing result that was very easy to enjoy.

...capable of delivering excellent bass line.

Beethoven's String Quartets sounded so open, lyrical and fluent. Dynamics were excellent too...really well articulated, every inflection of the bittersweet song was clear and fluent.

...very good at revealing the reverb on every and acoustic instrument...natural reverb that defines the space it was captured in.

...a genuinely rich pageant of sound.

...was quite striking...in a precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precisely focused yet natural in its pinpoint imaging and dynamic energy.

...had a dynamic energy that made the advantages of modern recording methods very clear. The drums having real power... there is really no option to change tracks half way through when the sound is this good, even an unfamiliar piece like this really brings a lump to the throat.

I started to hear the way that different sounds are faded in and out of the mix and give it a magical quality.

Aqua has found a way to raise the streaming game to a new level.

...if you buy the HQPlayer version of the LinQ and combine it with a La Scala MkII it seems very unlikely that you would want to try anything else...I want one!

Hi-Fi+ | | August 2021

... the sound was both open and unmistakably live, with a real sense of event... the backing band, all accordion, pedal steel and organ, creating a warm, lush backdrop... soaring riffs, the transparency of the LinQ really taking the listener unto the heart of the band.

Open clarity also suits well the effortlessly natural-sounding production.

Every single detail of the mix is delivered through the Aqua LinQ into whichever DAC you choose to use with it, and it's a sound you'll find yourself listening to repeatedly, just to hear those little nuances.

The Aqua LinQ... lets the DAC to which it's connected perform at its best... and it's hard to argue with that.

Hi-Fi News | | August 2020

The new LinQ was created following a precise idea. Fast and standard technical solutions do not belong to the aqua philosophy.
aqua has developed an extremely streamlined long-life platform and network bridge modules, focused on audio playback functions.
Aqua prefer to use know-how developed in-house, for a number of reasons in respect the aqua SQ standards. This has required a considerable effort in terms of time and resources, but the result is immediately evident on first use.

LinQ is a highly modular device, based on a series of completely independent units.
Each module performs a particular function, for which it is optimised.
Aqua will then have a Roon Ready (RAAT) module, a UPnP DLNA streaming module, etc.
Each module has its own dedicated power supply and plugs into a connector on the base platform of the device. In addition to the optimisation on the particular function, this architecture guarantees an exceptional possibility of future upgrades.

The communication lines of each module with the network are galvanically isolated. Note that further isolation is guaranteed by the fact that one of the modules is a LAN switch, developed internally by aqua. This is an important point: in fact, during the listening tests, and also in the laboratory ones, Aqua obtained the best results with the use of this architecture with built-in LAN switch.

Always having the sound result as an objective, LinQ does not use a USB interface: the output is on AQlink, the aqua I2S proprietary connection. In this way the "passage" on USB is skipped, avoid any losses in sound quality. Furthermore, proprietary circuits have been developed in the output FPGA, in order to implement the S/PDIF, AES/EBU and dual-AES outputs.

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:
    • ETHERNET network | n. 1 standard RJ-45 connector LAN
      No network configuration is required (DHCP system)
  • Outputs:
    • AQlink I2S | n. 1 Ethercon RJ-45 connector (PCM 32 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max)
    • Dual-AES/EBU (IEC 60958) | n. 2 XLR 110 ohm connectors (PCM 24 bit 384kHz / DSD128 max)
    • AES/EBU (IEC 60958-4) | n. 1 XLR 110 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
    • S/PDIF (IEC 60958-1) | n. 1 BNC 75 ohm connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
    • S/PDIF (IEC 60958-3) | n. 1 RCA connector (PCM 24 bit 192kHz / DSD64 max)
  • OLED display with user off-selectable illumination
  • RC5 IR remote controller (optional)
  • Aluminium anti-resonant cabinet with Nextel
  • Designed and handmade in Italy
  • 5-year warranty
(2 Customer reviews)
Write A Review
5 Stars
100%
4 Stars
0%
3 Stars
0%
2 Stars
0%
1 Stars
0%

...an articulate and revealing result that was very easy to enjoy.

...capable of delivering excellent bass line.

Beethoven's String Quartets sounded so open, lyrical and fluent. Dynamics were excellent too...really well articulated, every inflection of the bittersweet song was clear and fluent.

...very good at revealing the reverb on every and acoustic instrument...natural reverb that defines the space it was captured in.

...a genuinely rich pageant of sound.

...was quite striking...in a precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precise yet fluent form that sounds so right it's uncanny...the light of musical communication precisely focused yet natural in its pinpoint imaging and dynamic energy.

...had a dynamic energy that made the advantages of modern recording methods very clear. The drums having real power... there is really no option to change tracks half way through when the sound is this good, even an unfamiliar piece like this really brings a lump to the throat.

I started to hear the way that different sounds are faded in and out of the mix and give it a magical quality.

Aqua has found a way to raise the streaming game to a new level.

...if you buy the HQPlayer version of the LinQ and combine it with a La Scala MkII it seems very unlikely that you would want to try anything else...I want one!

Hi-Fi+ | | August 2021

... the sound was both open and unmistakably live, with a real sense of event... the backing band, all accordion, pedal steel and organ, creating a warm, lush backdrop... soaring riffs, the transparency of the LinQ really taking the listener unto the heart of the band.

Open clarity also suits well the effortlessly natural-sounding production.

Every single detail of the mix is delivered through the Aqua LinQ into whichever DAC you choose to use with it, and it's a sound you'll find yourself listening to repeatedly, just to hear those little nuances.

The Aqua LinQ... lets the DAC to which it's connected perform at its best... and it's hard to argue with that.

Hi-Fi News | | August 2020

Aqua logo

About the brand

Innovation through Technologies

aqua - acoustic quality equipment is not subject to the whims of market fashion since they are built to achieve true high fidelity sound reproduction.

By combining dedicated research with creative thinking, R & D Department has brought forth a range of innovation whose aim is to recreate the experience of live music in your home.

Website

www.aquahifi.com

Delivery Information

Delivery is free for all orders over £250.

'In Stock' items ordered before 1pm will be dispatched the same day.

We use DPD Local 'Next Day Service' for most UK deliveries. Orders sent via 'DPD Local - Next Day Service' will be fully tracked with a 1-hour delivery timeslot on the day of delivery. Standard delivery is Monday to Friday.

Saturday delivery can be selected at checkout for £19.95.

Small items and LP's may be sent using Royal Mail.

Large/heavy items may be sent using TNT Express.

For all other countries please visit the 'Delivery Information' link in the footer.

Occasionally, due to stock demand, we can sell out. If this occurs when you make a purchase, we will inform you quickly. Most out of stock items are available for dispatch within 3 working days. If your purchase is urgent, please contact us to check availability.

2 Customer Reviews

Aqua LinQ Network Interface

Available

Product Code AQUA-LINQ

Price Promise: If you find an identical item cheaper from one of our online competitors, tell us and not only will we match the price, we'll beat it by 10% of the difference! Terms and conditions apply, see more information about our price promise.

Customer Reviews

Rated 5-Star
on reviews.co.uk

Free UK Delivery
on orders over £250

Generous Part Exchange
contact us for a quote

Satisfaction Guarantee
up to 90 days exchange
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