As I mentioned, the SuperSwitch comes in a variety of versions: three levels and Master or Servant designations. The Master switch is intended for use adjacent to your server/streamer. It has enhanced RFI filtering on its input and a copper lined case for additional shielding. The Servant model is intended for use at the opposite, send end of the network feed. Although not essential – you could feed the Master switch directly from your router, the Servant does form a valuable additional barrier between your system and the network. Either switch can be supplied in Levels 1, 2 or 3 – denoting different power supplies. Level 1 is supplied with a UK-only external power supply (£1,250 inc. tax). Level 2 is supplied with an iFi Power 2 ultra low-noise, plug-top supply for an additional £45. Finally, Level 3 uses a massive Pro linear power supply in a case milled to match the other Reiki components – just significantly larger and heavier! Its logo is machined into the front face, reflecting the fact that you might want to stack the smaller units on top if space is at a premium – an approach that is fine according to the company. Just don’t stack multiple power supplies or you’ll over compress and thus disable the soft, load-specific isolation feet fitted to the units.
Optical isolation…
As well as the SuperSwitch, Reiki Audio offer a galvanic isolation solution in the shape of their Optical Bridge, a pair of RJ45 to optical convertors, allowing you to insert an optical link into the network feed. Available with the same three power supply options as the switch, they are shorter and squarer than the SuperSwitch, a pair of the Optical Bridge units will sit neatly atop the PSU. The chunky, machined casework offers the same shielding, mechanical benefits and ground post as the SuperSwitch, but this time equipped with a high-quality SFP output/input module and proprietary internal circuitry and wiring. The complete Optical Bridge (two convertors, a short, single mode LC-LC optical lead and a pair of basic ethernet leads to connect it into your network) will cost you £2,495 (inc. tax), with prices rising as you add the better power supply options. Once again, the two units are designated Master and Servant, with the downstream Master benefiting from copper lining of the case and SFP module for additional shielding as well as the selective application of RFI absorbent materials.
For review, I received a pair of SuperSwitches, an Optical Bridge and both iFi and Pro-level power supplies (two of each) allowing me to play with a basic and optically isolated set up, as well as addressing the question of power supply deployment (which products and where in the chain).
Master and Servant…
The anecdotal evidence that led me to the Reiki components in the first place also led me to expect a reasonable improvement in performance over my existing SOtM set-up. So first order of the day was to discover just how much Reiki was going to be required to surpass the SOtMs’ performance? That means starting at the bottom of the Reiki ‘ladder’ and working out which steps to take in terms of upgrading it. I was somewhat surprised to discover just how easily (and emphatically) the first part of that question was answered.
