Do you currently have a Hi-Fi setup that is letting you down? If that is the case the Audio Pro Link 2 will take care of all your old streaming smarts and let you link your CD player to create a multi-room system.
This device is perfect for those who want to bring their legacy Hi-Fi system into the 21st century and allow you to stream music.
First Impressions
The Audio Pro Link 2 is replacing the earlier Link 1 model. The Link 2 comes in a grey colour and measures 36x180x126mm (HxWxD). Link 2 is an affordable (£251) and simple way to get streaming. The box plugs into your music system and allows you to stream music via the ethernet input or via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
The Link 2 also has an analogue input for audio sources such as a CD Player and can connect it to the system via a pair of analogue outputs or digitally via an optical connection. There is also a USB to add an external hard drive.
You can also stream into multiple if you have other wireless speakers via Audio Pro or if you have AirPlay2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect giving you plenty of streaming options.
The Key features of the Link 2 include:
- Wireless Access: Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Bluetooth 4.2
- Audio Formats supported: MP3, AAC, FLAC, Apple Lossless & WMA
- Inputs: 1x RCA, 1xUSB-A
- Outputs: 1xRCA/cinch line out and one each for optical and coaxial digital output
- Compatibility with wireless networks 2.4 & 5GHz
Design
The Audio Pro Link 2 is a rectangular grey box with 4 buttons on the top that use used to store your most used audio sources. This allows you to quickly access your favourite radio channel or favourite playlist. The top panel also displays 4 LEDs indicating the active input. There are also Bluetooth & Power statuses and volume and track control.
The Link 2 has been equipped with many inputs which is an upgrade on the Link 1 model. The main change is the inclusion of an Airplay connection. This allows the user to bring older tech such as a CD Player, Turntables or even stereo speakers into the streaming world.
If you look at the back of the device this is where the magic happens you have 4 inputs and 3 outputs this includes the RCA in/out, Coaxial and Optical ports. The back also includes the ethernet port and USB-A port. You can also connect via Wi-Fi (2.5 or 5GHz options) you can also connect via Bluetooth 4.2.
Performance/How does it work?
The basic answer is the Audio Pro Link 2 can be streamed to other speakers you have via the Audio Pro App. The Link 2 will then appear as a streaming device and you can group allowing you to have a multiroom setup. You might want to play a playlist around the house and this device does just that.
Now as mentioned earlier in this review data connectivity via the wired ethernet or internal Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.2. Provide incoming signals that the Link 2 decodes and are available via optical, coaxial or analogue RCA outputs that drive amplifiers and active speakers. Link 2 can also do this via the digital stream directly to an outboard DAC via its coaxial outputs.
Link 2 supports the following streaming services:
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Google Cast
- Tidal Connect
- Spotify Connect
Link 2 can also be supported by the Audio Pro’s own control app that is very easy to operate.
Does it work well?
In testing, I would say yes it does what it set out to do very well the network audio stream is delivered wirelessly or wired and then decoded by Link 2 into an analogue signal and then sent to your speakers via an RCA or an amplifier depending on your set up. Link 2 can also send the signal directly to an external DAC via an optical or coaxial output.
Verdict
If you are a music fan but your set-up is starting to get a little dated this handy little gadget will provide you with a refresh. I was impressed with the new capabilities such as Airplay 2 and Google Cast and if you already own some Audio Pro speakers your ability to create that multi-room platform.
Overall, The Audio Pro Link 2 is a useful multiroom adapter and if your looking for a very easy way to connect all your audio set up such as active speakers, Hi-Fi systems or even AV receivers Link 2 has your back.
At £280 I think it’s a reasonable price to bring your Hi-Fi system into the 21st century and allow you to stream your favourite jam.
Product Rating
Design: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Performance: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Connectivity: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Value for Money: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0
Overall ranking: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars – 4.7 Stars
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