{"id":26376,"date":"2021-05-26T10:08:06","date_gmt":"2021-05-26T08:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=26376"},"modified":"2024-08-17T16:27:21","modified_gmt":"2024-08-17T14:27:21","slug":"aqua-linq-part3-core-naa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/review\/digital-reviews\/network-player-reviews\/aqua-linq-part3-core-naa\/","title":{"rendered":"Aqua LinQ Network Interface – Part 3 – HQP Core + NAA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review sample supplied by Aqua<\/a>
\nRetail prices in the NL including 21% VAT:
\nLinQ with UPnP\/DLNA or HQPlayer Renderer module: 5.680 euro
\nLinQ with UPnP\/DLNA and HQPlayer Renderer module: 6.960 euro
\nLinQ with Core+NAA Renderer module: 6.980 euro
\nCore+NAA Modules Bundle Upgrade: 2.480 euro (including Sygnalyst license)
\nCore module Upgrade: 1.450 euro (including Sygnalyst license)<\/h4>\n

All Aqua products are built modularly and are always easy to upgrade. Over the years and through several updates, Aqua has proven that this concept works fabulously. Of all the Aqua products that I own and have used, however, the LinQ is probably the best example.<\/p>\n

At its introduction in June 2020, two interface modules were available for the LinQ: Roon RAAT and UPnP. A few months later, following marketing analysis and some tough internal decision-making, Roon RAAT was dropped, and the HQPlayer NAA-Renderer module (player-only) was introduced, enabling Roon functionality not via RAAT but via an HQPlayer NAA stream. Shortly thereafter, work began on creating modules to support Squeezelite and Airplay. Meanwhile, work was being done to perfect the HQPlayer Core module, and by the end of March this year, the module was released.<\/p>\n

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Custom HQPlayer Core<\/h3>\n

The new Core interface module consists of two cascaded boards, of which the smaller one under the heatsink is the new i.MX8 ARM 64 bit micro System on Module, which is a high-class industrial computer module, chosen by Aqua for its performance and efficiency. It operates with a custom lightweight UNIX-based kernel to achieve faster response times and, according to the maker, even better sound quality.<\/p>\n

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The new module promises zero-config, no-hassle, true Plug & Play, Roon compatibility. Rather than being dependent on market fashion or requirements by external parties such as Roon, Aqua has chosen to make its product immune to obsolescence. HQPlayer compatibility is built into Roon as standard and because the LinQ does not implement the RAAT protocol, no Roon certification is required. Further, since HQPlayer is an independent piece of software that can run on any system, the compatibility is not limited to Roon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Core module can be inserted in every slot. In my case, with the NAA board and the UPnP board, and now the Core board installed, the LinQ offers room for yet one more interface module.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Basically, the new Core module replaces the HQPlayer Embedded software part that normally runs on the Music Server (or, potentially, a third computer device). After adding HQPlayer as a Zone in Roon, the HQPlayer Core module controls the final connection to the Audio Engine as Roon passes along an NAA stream (not RAAT) from media files or streaming services (e.g. Qobuz and Tidal). This allows you to enjoy the improved HQPlayer Sound Quality and the excellent library management capabilities of Roon at the same time.<\/p>\n

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Ready to play<\/h3>\n

There will be only one setting for new owners to be made: note the IP address on the LinQ’s display and enter it in the Roon HQPlayer section when adding it as a Zone. The Core module already has the Sygnalyst HQPlayer license preinstalled (representing a 250-euro value) so that the LinQ is immediately ready for listening.<\/p>\n

In my case, since I initially used the LinQ player module along with the HQPlayer server software component, I also had to disable the previously set NAA Network output on the Antipodes server to avoid conflicts. This was entirely painless and easy to repeat in order to allow AB comparisons. Not that I needed much time to make up my mind… but now I’m getting ahead of myself.<\/p>\n

The new Core module works in tandem with the HQPlayer NAA Renderer module, which was already installed in my case. Thus, when using the Core module, the same input button remains active as before. In my case, this is input 1. Input 2 is the UPnP interface module. The Core module’s IP address can be checked by selecting its new input from the front panel, which, in my case, is input 3.<\/p>\n

The FPGA-driven LinQ remains true to Aqua’s company philosophy; thus, the Core module is not aimed at digital signal processing. Following this, and to allow true Plug & Play functionality, Aqua has already set all the parameters to their ideal settings to bypass any processing. LinQ users will not have to worry about any of the HQPlayer’s software settings.<\/p>\n

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Advanced HQPlayer parameters<\/h3>\n

Expert users will still have access to HQPlayer’s very powerful tweaking functionality of parameters such as filtering and upsampling. If desired, the HQPlayer’s settings can be accessed from any web browser by entering the following URL: http:\/\/linqcore\/ (or http:\/\/linqcore.local\/ for MAC) or by entering the IP address as displayed on the LinQ’s display when the Core module is selected. This opens a clearly laid-out and simple-to-use Aqua GUI where the most relevant settings can be made.<\/p>\n

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Behind the scenes, this interface controls the actual (and visually messy) HQPlayer interface. For hardcore users who wish to torment themselves and access the remaining less-used HQPlayer functionality, that interface can still be accessed via a button on the same screen. Finally, the Aqua-recommended settings can always be re-set at any point by clicking the Factory Default button.<\/p>\n

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Future-proof<\/h3>\n

The architecture of the modules was already extremely flexible but Aqua has now also developed and implemented a new system to allow an even easier and faster procedure for future firmware updates or additions, which can be done directly by users via the same Aqua GUI.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Listening<\/h3>\n

With the CH Precision C1<\/a>, the Antipodes K50<\/a>, and the Aqua LinQ<\/a>, my system offers multiple options for listening to streaming audio. Although all three methods have their relative advantages, the LinQ provides the tightest, most articulate, and most neutral delivery. This was already the case when I used the HQPlayer server software component on the Antipodes with the LinQ’s HQPlayer NAA Renderer module.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After adding the Core module, which embeds both the HQPlayer server and player components internally in the LinQ, the difference is immediately noticeable. “Wow!” I noted mentally. This is undoubtedly even better. I know, given that I was already raving about the LinQ, this sounds a bit like washing detergent now washing even whiter and ever whiter, right? But please hear me out.<\/p>\n

In my first LinQ review, I mentioned that I preferred UPnP to Roon because the latter sounded a little rounded and smoothed. With the HQPlayer NAA Renderer module, that difference was made significantly smaller but it was not eradicated. With the HQPlayer Core module, there’s still a difference between the two sources (given different server hardware, there will always be) but it’s become so very small as to render the matter academic.<\/p>\n

Moreover, although I already noticed the LinQ’s remarkable crispness and “cleaning” properties, meaning that it made differences in upstream networked gear less evident, the Core module has further upped this aspect. For instance, the K50 has a rich, relaxed, and smooth sound when used as an all-in-one server but even when used as a Roon server and streaming to the LinQ, some of its character remained audible, most notably its voluptuous bass. Amazingly, with the Core module, I would swear that the resolution and transparency have improved, as has the bass. Now, it is easily as tight, articulate, and incisive as when using UPnP.<\/p>\n

As it happens, I currently have the Grimm Audio MU1<\/a> server available for comparison. Being something of a competitor for the Antipodes K50, the MU1 is an all-in-one solution that works only with Roon. It offers a sound that different from, but more or less on par with, the LinQ’s. Being a bass fetishist, most important to me is that the bass is to my liking, and the MU1 gets this absolutely right, especially with its oversampling switched off. But so does the LinQ, even with only the HQPlayer NAA Renderer module. With the Core module, however, and still served by the K50, the LinQ has even more powerful and incisive bass than the MU1, along with astounding presence and dynamics.<\/p>\n

It’s worth noting that with greater precision, along comes a more critical setup. That’s just the way it works. Compared to the smooth K50, and to some extent also compared to the MU1, and when not using an analog preamp, one might find the LinQ to sound a little dry. But that’s only after having listened to the smoother sources for a while. And to put this into perspective, the same situation occurs when comparing Roon on the Antipodes to UPnP.<\/p>\n

Also, before the first track has ended, the brain has already adjusted and I honestly feel that the LinQ simply provides the more accurate rendition. It provides the truth. But for those who prefer some more sweetening or rounding, there is plenty of opportunity to tweak the sound by using the HQPlayer filtering and upsampling parameters. I have yet to feel the need to go there. I think the LinQ sounds just perfect using the factory settings.<\/p>\n

Finally, along with the improvements in Sound Quality, the operation has also gotten snappier. Due to the necessary HQP buffering that benefits the sound quality, it’s not quite as fast as with native Roon but still plenty fast.\u00a0Play from pause is instant, pause from play is near-instant, and resuming after seeking (scrubbing) within a track takes 2,5 seconds.<\/p>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Regular readers will already know I am a big fan of Aqua products. There’s not a single product in their portfolio that I have not liked, which speaks volumes about the consistency with which the company goes about its business. I greatly respect Cristian Anelli and his design team for consistently delivering high-quality products.<\/p>\n

With the LinQ, Aqua has created a class-leading and maybe even market-leading Network Interface. It was already superb in its initial incarnation, but with every addition issued for the LinQ, its supremacy is further confirmed. The new Core module is a must for those who wish to obtain the absolute best sound quality and a great option for those who desire zero-config, true Plug & Play functionality.<\/p>\n

Update 30-10-2022<\/h3>\n

Now that I have owned the LinQ for over a year, I can report that its performance and sound quality are entirely stable. Even if Roon’s sonic signature tends to change with every software update, the sound quality from the LinQ using HQPlayer on the Roon server (in my case, either the Antipodes K50 or the Grimm MU1) retains its headstart. It is as crisp and expressive with Roon Build 2.0 as with Roon Build 1.8. As a reviewer, this is something that I value enormously!<\/p>\n

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Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

Try out Roon for yourself<\/h3>\n

Get Roon 1 month for free<\/a><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n

Distributor for the NL\/Belgium: Hexagon Audio<\/a>
\nManufacturer’s website: aquahifi.com<\/a>
\nSignalyst website: signalyst.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Read Also<\/h3>\n

Aqua LinQ review part 1 (Initial LinQ review)<\/a>
\nAqua LinQ review part 2 (HQ Player NAA Renderer Module)<\/a>
\nAqua LinQ review part 3 (HQ Player Core + NAA module)<\/a>
\nAqua LinQ review part 4 (Squeezelite module)<\/a><\/p>\n

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