A decent addition to the ever-expanding list of capable budget streamers
Music streamer| £220| whf.cm/AudioProLink2
This isn’t the first time Audio Pro has attempted to – ahem – link some music-streaming smarts to your existing audio system. This Link 2 is the company’s latest effort and features a tidier look as well as some upgraded features.
So, does this new iteration have what it takes to stand out in what is suddenly a fairly competitive market? We have recently tested the WiiM Pro Plus music streamer, and enjoyed it enough to give it a What Hi-Fi?Award for 2023. Given that the WiiM sells for £219, the Link 2 is going to have to make a strong case for itself to justify its asking price.
This device is perfectly competently made and finished, but presents rather an austere face to the world. It is available in just one finish (dark grey) and at a tidy 36 x 180 x 126mm (hwd) it shouldn’t be too obtrusive on your kit rack in either visual or physical terms. The capacitive touch controls on its top (for basic operation, Bluetooth pairing and input selection) are sensitive and responsive. The fact, though, that they are in black on a dark-grey background makes them a lot less legible than they might be.
You are far better off with the Audio Pro Control app that is free for iOS and Android. It may not be the most extensive or the most visually appealing, but you can at least see what you’re meant to be doing – and it’s very easy to integrate your music-streaming service or services of choice too.
Wireless connectivity is via dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth 4.2, while physical connections run to stereo RCA ins and outs, an ethernet socket, a USB-A slot, and coaxial and optical digital outputs. The line-level analogue input is particularly useful as it allows you to hook up a source (such as a turntable) and then re-stream to other Audio Pro speakers you may have around your home.
Wide compatibility
Wireless functionality is the whole point here, of course, and, as well as (fairly ordinary) Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, the Link 2 is also compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. The Audio Pro Control app allows integration of various music-streaming and internet radio services, including Qobuz, Apple Music, TuneIn, Amazon Music and vTuner – but there is no MQA support for Tidal.
There is no arguing with the tonal balance or the scale of sound on offer here. The
