So I have had this two nights. Both my Sonore Signature SE and it need USB input on the MKII so swapping between the two is not fast. Using songs I know well I compared the two. The stack does use the volt externally LPS. Sonore it’s built in.
From the start it was hard to see any large difference in SQ. I am very used to the sound of the Sonore. But there does seem something a bit more dynamic with the link. Hard to pinpoint. But bass is tight and puncy on both. Highs are crisp w/o being too bright. It would be really hard to pick one over the other on pure A/B comparisons.
But, the Stack home advantages.
It does not pop between DSD and PCM. a small click when pcm goes to DSD. But nothing like the Sonore.
The software is easy to update w cable for a reset. IT SELF UPDATES ON UPGRADES. Which it did for me after my flash. They do releases. Sonore has been on this version for over two years.
Build quality. Holy cow it’s tiny little hunk of solid billet aluminum. LPS Too. Anti vibration built in chassis from what I read. Also isolation with the case.
It’s silver. So it matches my gear. I know. But I like that
I only use Roon so I cannot comments on other streaming software.
Hi,
I’m an owner of the Stack Link II too.
Three months ago, the Volt LPSU suddenly overheated (became burning hot despite the blue LED indicator being unlighted) There’s no safety mechanisms involved, the fuse didn’t blow. I was lucky to be around to turn the electricity off else i’d think it’ll burn my house.
I rebooted the PSU and checked the voltage to be certain that I wouldn’t cause any issues to the LINK.
Digital multimeter showed 26 volts of DC power instead of 18V
Its been stuck in repair for three months, communication is slow. There’s no replacement unit.
Two weeks ago I’ve been promised a refund however the replacement board arrived / due to be assembled or fixed
Email doesn’t state clearly when its been in testing, two weeks of testing (?)
Unclear when’s the deadline to be shipped/refund.
Nothing seems in sight.
Very frustrating. I am forced to buy another streamer while waiting for this to be repaired…
Be prepared if you ever encounter hardware issues
I’d advice anyone to avoid buying it from them.
That is unfortunate. Does it have to go back to UK? Mine never gave me any issues. The person I sold it to (yes I sold after getting Holo Red) had another already.
It sounded exactly the same as the Red and cost about the same. The Red can be a DDC so I kept that one. I was thinking of the Link since I liked the Idea of external LPS, but the DDC meant more to me as I use it for tuning.
was this supplied with the streamer by the streamer manufacturer?
Either way that sucks!
I’ve seen a lot of “cheapo” linear PSUs on places like eBay, and not taken a risk as yet, think I will stick to building them - then it’s my own fault if it burns me…
Supplied with the streamer from Stack Audio (purchased together)
Yes, it was shipped back to UK. I’m an international customer, Stack Audio arranged for courier pickup.
I remember seeing one or more early Stack Link FS listings with an accompanying sBooster 18v LPS. This was probably for Links sold before the Volt was available or standard, but I am speculating.
More recently, I made a purchase inquiry to Stack Audio and the response explained that both the Stack Link II and Volt are no longer being made because parts are unavailable.
Speculating again, that might have something to do with your wait. Worst case, maybe you can use an sBooster instead.