The Swedish company Audio Pro offers the second generation Link network streamer. The Link2 ditches the round form factor of the more affordable original in favor of a rectangular box that’s shape and size (36mm x 180mm x 126mm) closer to Schiit’s mini-component series than the Link1.
The Ethernet connector (or internal Wi-Fi antenna 802.11 b/g/n 2, 4 and 5 GHz) receives the network audio stream, decodes it to analog and then sends the result to an amplifier, receiver or pair of active speakers via a set of RCA connectors. Alternatively, Link2 can send this digital stream directly to an external D/A converter via TOSLINK and coaxial outputs.
Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect are supported by additional streaming services and streaming from USB drives, which are handled by the native Audio Pro Contol app.
In addition to the multiroom streaming functionality offered by Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast, the Audio Pro Control app can also send the turntable’s phono output connected to its analog input to a second Link2 channel located elsewhere in the house. A Bluetooth input completes the feature set that makes the Link2 a big step up from the Link1.
