LINK Streamer 2 - Stack Audio

LINK II & VOLT PSU

USB Network bridge/Reclocker

The LINK II is a digital audio bridge that accepts music files streamed from internet subscription services or music files you already own and links them to your hi-fi system.

Stack Audio is focused on the source. Introduce noise and distortion at the start of the playback process and it disrupts the enjoyment of the music. The LINK II has been built from the ground up to remove unwanted noise. Your favourite music sounds more realistic and immersive.

The LINK II is optimised for audio playback. Using advanced technologies designed to remove noise from the outset, avoiding the need for excessive filtering which can restrain sound quality. Replacing a noisy PC or laptop with the LINK II to stream your music files reveals a lot of hidden detail.

SUPER CLEAN POWER

Power supplies are essential to energise circuits and make electronics work. Everything starts with power. However, if they are not implemented well, they can add noise and distortion.

Stack Audio’s approach is two staged. The first stage is the VOLT – a separate external linear DC power supply. This removes background noise, revealing subtle details often masked by generic switch-mode power supplies. The second stage is an advanced, low noise, power supply stage inside the LINK.

UlTRA LOW-NOISE CLOCK

The clock inside a streamer is essentially where the music signal begins so accuracy is key. Instead of using a standard clock, the LINK II uses a discrete clock circuit designed with low phase noise within the audio band.

In the world of digital audio, multiple clocks running at different speeds cause noise and jitter problems. We typically hear this as an edgy or brittle quality to the sound. To avoid this, the LINK II uses an ultra-low phase noise oscillator powered by an exceptionally clean supply. The ethernet, USB and the PSU are synchronised to the master clock, resulting in one coherent and extremely accurate device. This ensures that the fluctuations of the switching circuit are in time with that of the audio clock, reducing noise.

SOLID ALUMINIUM CASE

The LINK II is a pure digital system housed in a solid CNC machined aluminium case enclosed with EMI absorbing material. This ensures noise does not escape and enter the analogue domain nor does noise enter and affect the clock circuit.

SOFTWARE

The LINK II is designed to be as easy to use as possible. You do not need to download new software or learn a new control app to make it work. You can continue to use your favourite and familiar software to control and send music to the LINK II. The LINK II works as an endpoint for the following protocols/programs

Roon (Roon Ready certified) 60 day trial included
Audirvana
Squeezelite
UPnP/DLNA
Airplay® (Shairport-Sync )
Spotify® (Librespot)
HQPlayer

Can’t decide on your control software? Click here to find out more.

*For further information please click here

Specifications

Audio Feature Summary

Power circuitry is synchronized to the USB audio clock
Ethernet input is synchronized to the USB audio clock
Multi-stage ultra-low noise linear regulated power circuit
USB audio optimized output provides jitter free audio layback
The advanced clock circuitry re-clocks any USB input

Mechanical Feature Sumary

Machined from a solid billet of aluminum
Incorporates EMI absorbing material to remove internal EMI
The mass of the case dissipates air-borne vibration
Incorporates AVDC vibration trap

Communication Protocols

Ethernet
USB
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Outputs

1 x dedicated USB audio output
HDMI out (not i2s, or used)

Streaming Protocols

Roon
Audirvana
Squeezelite
UPnP/DLNA
Airplay® (Shairport-Sync)
Spotify® (Librespot)
HQPlayer (coming soon)

Supported Audio File Formats

Lossless: DSF (DSD), DIFF (DSD), DoP (DSD) DoP and Native DSD up to DSD 256
PCM Lossless: FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF Compressed (lossy) Audio: MP3, AAC (in M4A container) MQA (only if DAC supports hardware unfolding) PCM up to 384 kHz /32 bits

Physical

Finish : Available in anodised silver or black
Dimensions: 174mm(W), 140mm (D), 25mm (H), 1kg (without external power supply)

Inputs

2 x USB inputs (Future use)
1 x USB B detox input
Ethernet input
18v 1amp- 1.5amp DC input

User manual (PDF)

No compromise. See what goes into making a LINK II

Discover more

Press Reviews

HiFi+

“The first thing you notice about this is it’s fast. Transients happen quickly here, a bit like a really well set-up CD player compared with first-generation streaming. Play something with a lot of fast beats (‘Fuzzy Monkey’ by Morton Granau, streamed from Tidal) and it arrives with almost supernatural speed.” Alan Sircom, HiFi+

The Ear

“I am very impressed by the Stack Link II, it offers a standard of sound quality that you expect of a streaming bridge at twice the price alongside the build quality of something more expensive. How many streamers have machined from solid cases at any price? I used Roon for most of my listening and […]

Customer Reviews

Doug L. – UK

“I first became interested in considering using my computer as a playback/streaming device a numberof years ago. I originally used my desktop computer and various Dacs such as Audio Engine D1,followed by Audiolab M and Chord Mojo.I started spending considerable time researching audio playback and equipment through a variety ofmeans, including articles on the internet; […]

David E. – UK

“I was looking for a streaming upgrade to my Bluesound Node 2i. I didn’t need a DAC as I was happy with the on board DAC on my Moon 240i amplifier. Having read several reviews of the Link II and it’s predecessor, I liked not only what was being said about this streamer but also […]

James O. – USA

“I wanted to write to give my impressions of the Stack Audio Link II streamer. I actually upgraded my Link streamer to a Link II. I dealt directly with Theo Stack in returning the Link and having it upgraded, including purchasing the new LPS. Theo is a genuinely nice guy, and it was a pleasure […]

Get in Touch

Europe: +44 (0)1626 24 9005

USA +1 (866) 232 7610

8am-6pm BMT

Live Chat