British manufacturer Stack Audio announces its new LINK II USB Network bridge.
The Stack Audio LINK, launched in early 2019 and was introduced as a high-performance USB audio reclocker and network bridge. The LINK was designed to enable users to seamlessly access their favourite music.
With support for streaming music services like Qobuz, Spotify and Tidal, the LINK’s USB component was both isolated and optimised for use with the vast array of USB DACs on the market. Stack Audio has now evolved and improved the LINK’s hardware and software design, ease of use, and most importantly its performance. The result is the new LINK II.
Master Clock
The LINK’s chassis design and finish remains the same. The critical master clock circuit has been upgraded, the new “heartbeat” of the unit. This addition has reduced the clock’s noise levels by 50%.
The operating system software has been streamlined. With its smaller footprint fewer computing resources are necessary to better the performance. For Roon users, the software has been further optimized. The LINK II features Open Home protocol support, this is so the LINK II appears as an OH zone.
The LINK OS previously worked with UPnP, Roon and Airplay®. In addition to the previously supported software, the new LINK OS now supports Squeezelite and Liberspot (Spotify Connect®). Furthermore, the new OS will soon support HQ player end point. DSD256 is now supported a step up from DSD128 in the original LINK.
Price & Availability
The new LINK II is available now and will ship with the new software. Existing LINK owners can upgrade to the new software platform should they wish to.
The LINK II is available now in Silver or Black for £725, €825, $895.
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