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5 November 2020
Aqua LinQ Network Interface – Part 2 – HQPlayer Module
he 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.
1 December 2021
Aqua La Diva M2
Ever since I was aware that a new model was coming, I had been awaiting its arrival with immense anticipation. Fortunately, the M2 delivers on its promise. It is not only a successor with a different CD mechanism but indeed a wholly different player.
30 October 2022
Aqua La Diva M2 – Part 3
Of late, ongoing changes on the streaming front have led to my reassessing the CD medium. But more pertinently, I have made a very interesting discovery that led to a newfound admiration for the Aqua M2 drive.
2 July 2020
Aqua LinQ Network Interface
Never before has a digital interface, network or otherwise, behaved so utterly consistently and dependently. The LinQ has the uncanny ability to improve the quality of upstream components but it does this while refraining from imposing any discernible character onto the proceedings.
1 June 2019
Aqua La Scala mkII DAC
Giving away very little compared to the Formula xHD, costing less and possessing of that midrange magic that only tubes seem to bring, the La Scala mkII DAC may well hold the sweet spot in the Aqua DAC lineup.
26 May 2021
Aqua LinQ Network Interface – Part 3 – Core + NAA Module
The Core + NAA module marks the perfection of the LinQ as the universal and class-leading network player.
1 January 2018
Aqua Formula xHD DAC
State of the art NOS R2R ladder DAC with DSD compatibility. Current HFA reference!
4 February 2022
Aqua La Diva M2 – Part 2
After my review of the La Diva M2, Marco of Hexagon Audio was so kind to leave both La Diva models with me for some time. This has allowed me to carry out some more comparisons.
7 November 2019
Aqua Formula xHD v2 Output Board upgrade
Who says that electronics circuits are for nerds? I mean, look at this board! Isn't it a work of art? With the V2 output board, the Formula xHD's position as the King of the Crop is reaffirmed.
13 July 2023
Aqua LinQ Squeezelite Module
The Squeezelite Module for Aqua LinQ is now ready! Its performance and sound quality are at the same high level which characterizes the other LinQ modules. The Squeezelite module allows users to stream to the Aqua LinQ Network Interface directly from any Squeeze Server.
23 November 2021
Aqua La Diva M2 CD Transport
The new generation of La Diva, La Diva M2, is a machine that, while keeping the previous name, is completely new, both in terms of CD mechanics and all internal electronics, power supply, FPGA decoding, clock, display, and more.
15 March 2022
Denafrips Ares II, Pontus II, Venus II, and Terminator Plus
Ever wonder what spending extra on the next level DAC from the same company gets you? Let's find out by directly comparing all the DACs that Denafrips currently has on offer.
6 December 2019
Jay’s Audio CDT-2Mk2 and DAC-2 Signature
Chinese-made products have not always enjoyed the same reputation as well-known western brands but, based on recent experiences in general and based on how these Jay's Audio products perform in particular, I am confident in stating that it is about time to change our collective minds about this.
11 September 2021
Aries Cerat Heléne DAC and Incito S preamp
When you frequently review products, and especially when the target is usually the high-end segment, true surprises are few and far between. So, it's a treat when a product comes along that truly brings something new to the table.
2 May 2021
Mola-Mola Tambaqui
Originally available only as a two-board stack for use inside the Mola-Mola Makua preamp, the DAC with its special proprietary design is also available as a separate unit.
10 April 2018
CH Precision C1 + A1
The C1+A1 combination sounds ultra-transparent, clean and controlled but also smooth and fluid, and organic, wholly musical and absolutely convincing.
15 February 2020
Denafrips Venus
Visually a more compact and arguably even more handsome version of the Terminator, the Venus is Denafrips' 2nd-tier flagship DAC and, as such, it is built around a very similar architecture.
19 August 2021
Denafrips Terminator Plus
This DAC not only sets the standard at its retail price, but it even presents a challenge for the top-performers in the business.
16 October 2022
Jay’s Audio CDT3-Mk3 and DAC2-Mk3
The DAC2-Mk3 can be seen as the successor of the DAC2 Signature that I reviewed in December 2019 and the CDT3-Mk3 is Jay's Audio's new Flagship CD transport. Read on to find out how they perform individually and as a pair.