Reiki super switch - my mini review

It’s an interesting result, but it’s probably got limited applicability to a Naim system, as you indicated earlier.

Is that an integrated amp by ATC?

1 Like

I understand. Even at half price it’s quite a bit more than the EE8 so one shouldn’t perhaps be too surprised that it brings improvements.

I’ve bought into the Chord Co. ecosystem myself with their system noise reduction approach - mains blocks, cables, Power and Ground arays, EE8 and EE1’s.

Even if I could afford to change I would be very wary of mixing and matching with other brands with these sorts of devices. The results are unpredictable. To be honest though I no longer have the patience or inclination to bother experimenting. I now tend to like having a defined path to follow where I know things will work well together, which is the case with the Chord products.

For those more intrepid and who are prepared to spend the money and time I suspect that there is still much to learn. I’m sure we’ll one day look back on these times with the same sort of view as looking back to the early days of cables - where QED 79 strand speaker cable was the height of exotica.

2 Likes

I’m suspecting there is a pretty standard switch (silent bonn8-ish) inside the expensive housing of the Reiki because there is not a single word on what went into the product more than the copper shielding and housing. I’m sure there are 8 ports inside but only 2 cut out. An EE8 and Farad3 should not be very different in performance even though shielding might add some. Price difference is huge and this casing is of course expensive to manufacture.

Copper foil visible on my unit.

Silent angel bonn8 inner PCB vs Reiki. Looks more or less identical. My conclusion is you buy a heavy shielded “Bonn8” switch with a good power supply which is also likely an off the shelf ps in a heavy shielded housing.


2 Likes

Yes. Smaller version of the sia2-150 at 100w a side with in built Akm dac, which is rather good…

1 Like

So in effect choose a speaker brand you like and go with their amps.

Sensible route to System synergy.

For the last 20 years, I’ve just gone all-Naim from source to speakers inclusive.

I love the way that Naim tried to design entire systems to be not only balanced but excellent throughout from source to speakers.

And also to design specifically to make recordings of live music, especially with acoustic instruments, come to life as realistically as possible.

1 Like

Well it’s in and been listening for a while.
Gone for the complete kit, including the reiki ethernet as the omega is shielded and the reiki isn’t, and apparently this is how the reiki should be used with such a cable to ensure its working to its max.

2 Likes

Well, it’s not a great start.
Swapped it all over, including the ethernet cable, and it was a disaster really.
My fantastic sounding system that i had disappeared.
Obviously i have tuned my streaming side to my taste, especially just lately with my cable testing, but as it stands right now my system has gone backwards by quite a lot from how i like it.
I can’t pick out any part that i feel has inpovement. i am sorry to report.
I will try the omega cable on it tonight, but i don’t think that is going to change things that much, as the gap to what i had is a big jump away.

I must also thank Nigel for sending me out the reiki to try, plus i told him my findings, and he is happy for me to say.
Cheers dunc

2 Likes

The reiki Ethernet cable is pretty bad to be honest. Neet 1008 sounded better in my system for example. It will sound better with omega im sure but it’s not PN or Ansuz level.

1 Like

Swapped ethernet cables over, now using the omega rather than the reiki.
It is an inpovement but still not where i was.

I was hoping for much better results if being honest, and i have to say the reiki reminds me very much what the melco switch did when i tried that years ago.
That also just didn’t do it for me at all, and i preferred it without a switch.

Obviously from the pics above in this thread, it does look remarkably like the other switches that share the same insides, but with different case’s. Obviously this also has just 2 ports, but as been mentioned above, plus looking at the board, it’s obvious to see it was or is an eight port switch.

But whatever it is, i will certainly be keeping my PhoenixNet and calling it a day as far as switches and ethernet cables go, as it looks like i am well sorted.

Cheers dunc

4 Likes

Well it’s double the price, so should be good!. I’m keeping mine as it’s far the best sound I’ve heard in my system, so much clarity, space and layering. All of this of course in a system outside the naim ecosystem (except powerline lites!). Yes it’s pricey at full price but it’s small product runs and made in uk , which Im happy to support.
At least you tried it and Nigel expected the outcome by the sounds of it.

2 Likes

This is £2950 i believe and then the ethernet cable is extra on top isn’t it?
Remember i have the pro power supply and not the plug type one.

Ah yes, sorry forgot that bit.

Excluding VAT as I understand it… At least that’s what their www is showing if you go to check out. 3450GBP is total for the switch + their LPS. That’s PhoenixNet pricing and PN is much better IMO.

Glad I got mine half price and used my own lps, deffo worth the money!

I agree.
On my system the difference is quite shocking really. I was expecting the reiki to be atleast as good. But the reality for me was quite the opposite.

1 Like

I’ve been contacted by Nigel of Reiki Audio. He obviously cannot comment on here on his own products, however, he has asked me to correct something posted here that’s factually false regarding the board just being a standard part in a fancy box. He takes “steps to modify a stock board before installing it in the case, and the case is a good part of the reason the SuperSwitch performs so well at its noise-killing job”.

Obviously anybody wishing to discuss the subject further should get in touch with Reiki audio directly.

7 Likes

Which forum rules are you pointing at not being allowed to discuss construction of non naim products? This is not about modification nor is it a manufacturer that don’t want to be mentioned here.

I haven’t said shielding is not adding anything. Just that pictures point to that it’s very similar to a “Boon8” similar switch PCB in a shielded CNC milled housing. It’s welcomed to say what has went in to the construction and design besides the housing of course but there is not a word on this on the official www. If there’s nothing to hide then transparency always is beneficial IMO.

What steps are taken that is not worth mentioning on the official www. We will not know.

Right at the top - the first rule of the forum;

No Reps – any attempts by a member to promote their commercial interests will result in moderation and a ban.

It mean that manufacturers or reps can’t post about their own products here. It keeps the forum clean and prevents the sort of shilling that can really ruin other sites.

I do however allow a manufacturer to bring any factual error to my attention, provided it’s not just voicing an opinion, which is fine.

As I say, if you wish to take matters up with the manufacturer then by all means do so directly as they won’t be able to respond on here.

1 Like

‘Steps to modify’, humm.

Some comments of this;

The Reiki isn’t really a switch, as it only has an in & an out. It is more of a filter/conditioner.

Nigel is of the view that noise is the primary concern and doesn’t believe that clock performance is relevant. Other manufacturers would differ in that view.

The design of the Reiki reflects that approach; casing, etc. This also explains the preference for ethernet cables that don’t connect devices together via the shield.

Many (most) of the ‘budget’ end of ‘audiophile’ switches use technology licensed by Thunder Data, eg Bonn, NuPrime, Ee8, et al. Each manufacturer adds their own tweaks here & there.

Dunc’s system is what I would call an ‘uber’ system. One which will resolve small, yet important differences. The Reiki really isn’t in the same league as a PN. The PN has a really good ps, bespoke board, high precision clock, etc. I certainly would never had expected tbe Reiki to perform at PN level.

I would have thought that with this level of system were an ‘upgrade’ switch to be explored then the Network Acoustics Tempus is the obvious contender.

From my own experience, network filters are certainly worth exploring; NA, Stack, CAD etc.

I’ve found that, for me (having had a PN & many others), the optimum aolution is a modern professional switch, combined with a filter, using decent cables.

I wish Nigel well with his venture; he clearly believes in his product and appears to be a stand up guy. I’m sure that, for many, the Reiki§ will orovude a nice uplift

[for clarity I have no association with Nigel]

3 Likes