How to sum up the musical impact of the Reiki units in my system? A pair of switches with basic supplies delivered a fundamental improvement in the musical coherence and sense of purpose that brings to the performance. This lifted the relative level of the Ref Server way closer to the optical disc transport than it’s ever been, transforming it into a more than valid musical source. And that was just the beginning. Each subsequent addition, if properly managed (in terms of Network location and priorities) delivered another step up in performance, in the sense of musical communication and emotional connection, in the presence and agency of the performers, in the appreciation of and access to their performance. As with all really coherent replay chains, the final steps made the biggest musical differences until, with cabling and topology sorted, optimising the grounding elevated the performance and performers to a living breathing presence. This is streaming Jim – but not as I’ve EVER known it!
But what was totally unexpected was the impact on locally stored file replay. Now, bear in mind that the Ref Server holds its storage internally and is connected to the Ref DAC by the Akasa optical cable. Playing locally stored files, they NEVER touch the network. Yet the Reiki network components still managed to improve their performance and musical qualities. I can only conclude that the SuperSwitches and Optical Bridge are preventing network noise from entering the Server and interfering with its operation. Whether that is the case, I can’t prove. But the musical benefits are nearly as obvious when playing locally stored files as when streaming – just not as big. Streamed files now sound way better than stored files used to. Now, stored files still sound better than streamed, but the gap is way closer than ever before. The boost in their performance was an unexpected bonus, but one I’m only too happy to enjoy.
Individually, the Reiki components are not cheap. A complete network with Pro power supplies would add up to a substantial sum. Yet, in the context of even a relatively modest high-end system, the sums involved are far from extravagant – while the resulting benefits are as fundamental as they are impressive. In many a system, the interconnect cables alone would add up to the cost of a Reiki network. Yet, even a single SuperSwitch located next to your server is capable of seriously improving the musical performance of both streamed and locally stored file replay – and you can always upgrade the PSU later. On that basis, the Reiki products deliver musical value in spades. If we are going to talk system foundation, then if you intend to or already use streaming as a serious source, then you need to consider network components right alongside signal leads, power cords, racks and grounding. Any weakness in any of these product categories will undermine system performance – although I’m not sure anything will undermine your music as quickly or completely as an inadequate Ethernet feed…
