Not long ago, I thought that after installing fiber to the house and a wired Ethernet connection, I would have a pure signal awaiting my streamer/DAC. Not so fast. Yes, those packets of information are unaltered by that setup, but what comes along for that ride is all that RF/EM interference just waiting to mess up your perfect grove. In retrospect, it was this digital noise that gave streaming a second seat to fixed media.
The answer, it seemed, was to add another box that addresses this noise issue. First was the NA Muon Pro filter, then a Stealth Cat8 Ethernet cable, followed by the NA Tempus switch and an Origin power supply upgrade. Each step made streaming more listenable, closer to my files and CD’s. Enter the Reiki X Series- Super Switch and Pro PSU. I first saw this digital noise beater in a Stack newsletter as these units can be ordered with their isolation feet. I took my interest to Axpona and “asked around” about this new entry and company, and opinions were favorable. After sufficient nagging on my part, I got a sample switch and cable to try.
Reiki’s approach to eliminate digital noise is not unlike others, but a refinement of the things that matter…a reduction in the number of “leaky” ports, a well-shielded and beefy power supply, and better mechanical isolation via AUVA feet. Just pick up the supply, it’s very heavy, due to the thick milled aluminum chassis, lined with copper and EMI absorption. It’s form following function, but it looks good too. The switch is available in a 2 or 3 port configuration. I chose the 3 port so I could signal ground the unit with a CAD ground block. I think this is better than using the chassis lug supplied and greater minds than mine think so too. I would encourage one to get into the technical weeds on the Reiki gear by visiting their website and checking out a review of the “X System” in the Absolute Sound November issue. The Ab Sound’s most recent “Tech Awards” issue also has a discussion with Reiki’s owner, Nigel Bell, on reducing digital noise.
So, is this a better mouse (noise) trap? I think so. The NA filter/switch combo gave me an education on how noise reduction enhances the musical experience and the Reiki X takes it even further. It’s definitely quieter and instruments seem more fleshed out, more palatable. I also like the approach of getting the cleanest signal closest to the DAC, no additional separate filter recommended.
In this scenario, the cable that feeds the DAC is crucial, and Reiki’s ground-up design features great attention to elaborate shielding. This evaluation was with their JundoStream Ethernet cable in that place. A Stealth Cat8 feeds the switch. I will borrow another Stealth cable and report later how much the JS cable does, or does not, add to the party.
All-in-all, the Reiki system preforms admirably and allows streaming to take a legitimate seat with other sources. It’s more often that the quality of the recording is the limiting, or liberating, factor. In fact, I have heard well recorded, high sampling streams compete with their CD counterparts. Thankfully, this streaming necessity comes at price point similar to those previously mentioned. Yes, it’s another box and cable, but I can’t stream without it.
So, this seems to indicate the improvement is there, but not in a major way. Obviously you like Reiki X switch/PSU better than NA MP/Tempus combo. The question is how much improvement they have over NA combo, and is the improvement worth of the extra cost on upgrade?
Also, if you hook up M. Pro to it, does it reduces the SQ, or not make much difference?
Even on my modest cost LHY SW-10 Pro switch, I found M.Pro does not improve SQ as much as before. In fact on some aspects I don’t like the result. I still keep it in chain since overall there is a plus, a little.
Original plan was to replace MP with the new Moun2 filter, but NA is asking three times more for a filter. Personally I do not think any secondary components such as network switches and filters are worth the cost of main components. So, unless someone tells me there is a new switch can improve SQ over a CD player, I will stop at what I have now.
Sure, one day I will probably get bored and dig myself a hole again. 
And, speaking for my pal Donald, did you open the new gear up and try to improve its internals for a perceived improvement? Donald waited over 15 minutes with his new switch before ripping it open.
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So, you are asking to put an objective scale to subjective criteria? Even if someone (like Luca) painstakingly rates each category of performance on a scale that is understandable, does that tell you whether the improvement is worth the scratch?
Maybe a comparative would help. The Reiki X Series costs less than Stealth The Grande power cable yet there is an improvement on par with having that cable instead of an AQ Dragon. Is that a “component level” improvement? I don’t know. I certainly have been wowed more by other components but they have garnered a higher price to pay.
All I know is high quantity streaming requires serious noise mitigation. Every filter, switch and network cable I’ve tried, and have cost equal or more in the process, have made things better. I agree that the new Muon Pro 2 will have to be something to justify the cost. This is one reason the filterless Reiki holds additional appeal. But, as they say, “don’t knock it unless you tried it”. I tried the Reiki and liked it.
True, where to draw the line in sand, and at which level of happiness one needs to spend to achieve is very subjective. I was asking a question that is not possible to answer anyway.
I am at a level that I do not need to think about better SQ 
, but the line in sand will fade eventually. It seems to me network switches, filters, and grounding boxes are still an area that can be explored further, hence there will be more coming out for sure. I can wait.
Yeah, if we are honest with ourselves, it’s hard to rationalize the time and expense this hobby can generate. My wife certainly can’t.
Your wine emoji might offer the best cost/benefit ratio for all tools we use to heighten the experience. I would also add 
and 
.
I am excited about the prospects of Maestro as well. If and when the bugs are squashed and Apple compatibility is reached, this streaming service seems to move the bar at a reasonable buy in. I’m psyched what you guys have heard.
Thanks for encouraging me to fall down yet another rabbit hole, lol.
“[I]t’s hard to rationalize the time and expense this hobby can generate.”
As I have previously observed, the very purpose of a hobby is to waste time and money.
Yes, I agree, and know this is your long held philosophical position. I would only add that this pursuit assumes a desired end, never achieved. I contend that all of this pursuit is the goal. There are no ends, only means. If the journey dissatisfies then there will be great disappointment. No Holy Grail. Take the challenge to improve, to become more immersed in the music you love…or find another hobby 
.
I am going the opposite of my previous ways in this hobby. I am liking the results. I think one piece of gear, other than a turntable and CD Transport and a pair of speakers is promising. Switches? We don’t need no stinking switches. It’s all in your mind.
Oh wait, I have them. Never mind.
My impression is the pursuit is the goal for many. A perfectly fine way to waste time and money. 
I am pursuing too, but nothing to do with audio.
My golf game is so good lately, I am going to play everyday to pursuing my dream of making US Open Super-senior.
Wait, there is no Super-senior at US Open, but it is the thoughts that count.
I will be so tired so I have no time for anything else including audio.
Well this is Reiki’s new switch being compared to legacy products from NA. So it would be great to see a direct comparison with their new Muon2 switch.
Send me the new Muon2 switch and I would be happy to make the comparison with the Reiki 
.
Both are fine companies that have made streaming more respectable.
Word of caution. Say I get the new NA switch and it is competitive to the Reiki. You might ask how each companies Ethernet cables affected the results, or, how might the Muon2 filter and additional cable further improve things, or is there another, even better competitor, at this growing price point? The permutations and choices are endless.
In a nutshell, streaming needs noise scrubbing and quality cables to sound the best, just like analog.
Premium switches and Ethernet cables are a requirement, not a luxury. You CAN hear the difference.
I fully reject all of this.
You offered to send me you previous magical switch. I politely declined. You dumped that magical switch for the new, improved magical switch and cable. Wow, finally something that really works! But you felt that way about the previous magical switch.
There was a time when you and Paul were telling me Al, if you have a MUON Pro with their cable you HAVE TO try a Stealth Ethernet cable!!! Imagine having to talk me into buying a Stealth cable. LOL. Anyway, I bought the Stealth cable, which cost four times any previous Ethernet cable I have purchased. I swapped out the MUON Pro System cable and put in the Stealth. I heard zero improvement. Nothing. Nada.
Now a few weeks back you took this new, 50 pound Ethernet cable out and swapped in the Stealth and all the magic vanished! Everything sounded horrible. Life was crushed out if the sound.
All of this makes me want to ask you one very important question:
Where do you buy your weed?
Ha! (Good) whiskey has replaced weed long ago, and even that vice has tapper off. My Holy Grail voyage has taken a simpler approach…swap out something and if I like it, keep it. Your journey of late has asked more deeper questions…are active speakers the future?, is BAACh the true process?, is Maestro master of the universe?
My goal is simply to improve my sound without significant investment. I think I have achieved a relatively good system balance and seek “add-ons” only to move the bar. Streaming needed help and a good switch and cable do make a difference. It was not my experience in the past but It is now. I will send you Reiki Ethernet cable soon so you can hear it, or deny it, for yourself.
Some are fortunate to avoid hearing enhancements from digital cables, Ethernet cables, switches, and similar items—consider yourself lucky. I compared the magic Ethernet cable with Stealth and detected no change. As the first user of the magic Reiki cable, perhaps it had not yet settled. Maybe these cables influence different systems and setups in varied ways. 
I already struggle to grow attached to cables I cannot easily afford (Stealth), yet the improvements from those cables are nothing short of divine.
As a big Stealth fan (as you know) I have paid the price, literally and figuratively, by hearing what great cords and interconnects can bring to the party.
All I’m saying is that I heard a difference between between Ethernet cables and switches, and a good digital cable and switch will improve streaming. I would venture that many here who use some combination of digital filter, switch and cable, are happy with their combos, as I’m sure that you like your Muon Pro filter, LHY switch and Stealth cable.
I have no problem with that. I wish I could have stayed put, saved money, and joined the camp that heavy investment in that in-between stuff from router to DAC is fool hearty. But, for me, my ears tell me otherwise, and the bump is worth the scratch.
For sure the quality of the streamer is where the most money should be spent, and I also agree that the in-between devices such as switches, filters, and digital cables are all integral part of the streaming chain too. Each one would enhance the SQ of one’s system.
However, my own experience from replacing a Muon Pro ethernet cable to a Shunyata Omega X to match my other Omega cable turned out to be an good enough endgame improvement. With an excellent LHY SW-10 Pro switch also in the chain, The streaming SQ has reached a point to my total satisfaction. Will I hear additional improvement if I dump more money into the rabbit hole? I may, but there will be a diminishing return on the sound improvement for sure. It is time to cement this rabbit hole.