Extreme Snake Oil

[totti1965]

This is it: A network switch!

Is it even a switch?

Only one „in“ and one „out“

Only 5.998 EURO

Reiki Audio bringt SuperSwitch X an den Start: Jetzt aber Ruhe im Netzwerk!

Der Reiki SuperSwitch X verfügt standardmäßig nur über einen Ein- und Ausgang. Zusätzliche Ports werden bewusst vermieden, um ...

www.fairaudio.de

I will sell my life insurance and one kidney and order eight items to make a chain for a really clean signal!

Reiki Audio launches SuperSwitch X: Peace and quiet on your network!
By Jochen Reinecke, May 4, 2026

One of the axioms of hi-fi is: Instead of reducing interference after the fact, it shouldn't reach the sensitive components in the first place. This is precisely what Reiki Audio aims to achieve with its improved audiophile network switch, the SuperSwitch X. Interference in the streaming signal should be suppressed as early and comprehensively as possible – even before it reaches the music server or streaming DAC. The underlying assumption is that high-frequency interference, despite bit-perfect data transmission, can ultimately affect the D/A converter.Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X: What's new?Reiki Audio has implemented a number of design measures intended to minimize both mechanical and electrical interference. The robust aluminum housing has been further enhanced compared to the previous model (see review) – from five to ten millimeters in wall thickness – to better control resonances and simultaneously increase electromagnetic shielding. Additionally, a revised RFI/EMI shield with extra copper lining is used, designed to reduce high-frequency interference across a wide frequency range.Multi-layered housing construction of the Reiki Audio SuperSwitch XThe Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X features a sophisticated, multi-layered housing construction.Internal improvements have also been made: Shorter signal paths, optimized circuit routing, and a redefined grounding architecture aim for the lowest possible interference environment for data transmission.New power supply and optionsThe also redesigned external power supply, the Reiki Audio Pro X PSU, utilizes a 25 percent larger, encapsulated transformer, which is designed to minimize stray fields and ensure a stable, clean power supply. Optionally, the devices – both the switch and the power supply – can be combined with special decoupling feet from Stack Audio to further reduce mechanical interference. This isn't necessarily a bad choice, as fairaudio readers know.Deliberately minimalistThe core concept is consistently implemented in the design: The Reiki SuperSwitch X has only one input and one output as standard. Additional ports are deliberately avoided to eliminate potential sources of interference from the outset. However, a version with two outputs is available for specific applications.

Am I missing something?








Or was it an aprils fool?

05/04 be with you all!

 

[Mnyb]

This is it: A network switch!

Is it even a switch?

Only one „in“ and one „out“

Only 5.998 EURO

Reiki Audio bringt SuperSwitch X an den Start: Jetzt aber Ruhe im Netzwerk!

Der Reiki SuperSwitch X verfügt standardmäßig nur über einen Ein- und Ausgang. Zusätzliche Ports werden bewusst vermieden, um ...

www.fairaudio.de

I will sell my life insurance and one kidney and order eight items to make a chain for a really clean signal!

Reiki Audio launches SuperSwitch X: Peace and quiet on your network!
By Jochen Reinecke, May 4, 2026

One of the axioms of hi-fi is: Instead of reducing interference after the fact, it shouldn't reach the sensitive components in the first place. This is precisely what Reiki Audio aims to achieve with its improved audiophile network switch, the SuperSwitch X. Interference in the streaming signal should be suppressed as early and comprehensively as possible – even before it reaches the music server or streaming DAC. The underlying assumption is that high-frequency interference, despite bit-perfect data transmission, can ultimately affect the D/A converter.Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X: What's new?Reiki Audio has implemented a number of design measures intended to minimize both mechanical and electrical interference. The robust aluminum housing has been further enhanced compared to the previous model (see review) – from five to ten millimeters in wall thickness – to better control resonances and simultaneously increase electromagnetic shielding. Additionally, a revised RFI/EMI shield with extra copper lining is used, designed to reduce high-frequency interference across a wide frequency range.Multi-layered housing construction of the Reiki Audio SuperSwitch XThe Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X features a sophisticated, multi-layered housing construction.Internal improvements have also been made: Shorter signal paths, optimized circuit routing, and a redefined grounding architecture aim for the lowest possible interference environment for data transmission.New power supply and optionsThe also redesigned external power supply, the Reiki Audio Pro X PSU, utilizes a 25 percent larger, encapsulated transformer, which is designed to minimize stray fields and ensure a stable, clean power supply. Optionally, the devices – both the switch and the power supply – can be combined with special decoupling feet from Stack Audio to further reduce mechanical interference. This isn't necessarily a bad choice, as fairaudio readers know.Deliberately minimalistThe core concept is consistently implemented in the design: The Reiki SuperSwitch X has only one input and one output as standard. Additional ports are deliberately avoided to eliminate potential sources of interference from the outset. However, a version with two outputs is available for specific applications.

Am I missing something?








Or was it an aprils fool?

05/04 be with you all!

I’ll find some surplus family member to sell what the hell is mechanical damping in the context of ethernet

 

[Purité Audio]

This is it: A network switch!

Is it even a switch?

Only one „in“ and one „out“

Only 5.998 EURO

Reiki Audio bringt SuperSwitch X an den Start: Jetzt aber Ruhe im Netzwerk!

Der Reiki SuperSwitch X verfügt standardmäßig nur über einen Ein- und Ausgang. Zusätzliche Ports werden bewusst vermieden, um ...

www.fairaudio.de

I will sell my life insurance and one kidney and order eight items to make a chain for a really clean signal!

Reiki Audio launches SuperSwitch X: Peace and quiet on your network!
By Jochen Reinecke, May 4, 2026

One of the axioms of hi-fi is: Instead of reducing interference after the fact, it shouldn't reach the sensitive components in the first place. This is precisely what Reiki Audio aims to achieve with its improved audiophile network switch, the SuperSwitch X. Interference in the streaming signal should be suppressed as early and comprehensively as possible – even before it reaches the music server or streaming DAC. The underlying assumption is that high-frequency interference, despite bit-perfect data transmission, can ultimately affect the D/A converter.Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X: What's new?Reiki Audio has implemented a number of design measures intended to minimize both mechanical and electrical interference. The robust aluminum housing has been further enhanced compared to the previous model (see review) – from five to ten millimeters in wall thickness – to better control resonances and simultaneously increase electromagnetic shielding. Additionally, a revised RFI/EMI shield with extra copper lining is used, designed to reduce high-frequency interference across a wide frequency range.Multi-layered housing construction of the Reiki Audio SuperSwitch XThe Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X features a sophisticated, multi-layered housing construction.Internal improvements have also been made: Shorter signal paths, optimized circuit routing, and a redefined grounding architecture aim for the lowest possible interference environment for data transmission.New power supply and optionsThe also redesigned external power supply, the Reiki Audio Pro X PSU, utilizes a 25 percent larger, encapsulated transformer, which is designed to minimize stray fields and ensure a stable, clean power supply. Optionally, the devices – both the switch and the power supply – can be combined with special decoupling feet from Stack Audio to further reduce mechanical interference. This isn't necessarily a bad choice, as fairaudio readers know.Deliberately minimalistThe core concept is consistently implemented in the design: The Reiki SuperSwitch X has only one input and one output as standard. Additional ports are deliberately avoided to eliminate potential sources of interference from the outset. However, a version with two outputs is available for specific applications.

Am I missing something?








Or was it an aprils fool?

05/04 be with you all!

That guy’s day job is gym owner, a complete chancer.
Keith

 

[Alan O]

This is it: A network switch!

Is it even a switch?

Only one „in“ and one „out“

Only 5.998 EURO

Reiki Audio bringt SuperSwitch X an den Start: Jetzt aber Ruhe im Netzwerk!

Der Reiki SuperSwitch X verfügt standardmäßig nur über einen Ein- und Ausgang. Zusätzliche Ports werden bewusst vermieden, um ...

www.fairaudio.de

I will sell my life insurance and one kidney and order eight items to make a chain for a really clean signal!

Reiki Audio launches SuperSwitch X: Peace and quiet on your network!
By Jochen Reinecke, May 4, 2026

One of the axioms of hi-fi is: Instead of reducing interference after the fact, it shouldn't reach the sensitive components in the first place. This is precisely what Reiki Audio aims to achieve with its improved audiophile network switch, the SuperSwitch X. Interference in the streaming signal should be suppressed as early and comprehensively as possible – even before it reaches the music server or streaming DAC. The underlying assumption is that high-frequency interference, despite bit-perfect data transmission, can ultimately affect the D/A converter.Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X: What's new?Reiki Audio has implemented a number of design measures intended to minimize both mechanical and electrical interference. The robust aluminum housing has been further enhanced compared to the previous model (see review) – from five to ten millimeters in wall thickness – to better control resonances and simultaneously increase electromagnetic shielding. Additionally, a revised RFI/EMI shield with extra copper lining is used, designed to reduce high-frequency interference across a wide frequency range.Multi-layered housing construction of the Reiki Audio SuperSwitch XThe Reiki Audio SuperSwitch X features a sophisticated, multi-layered housing construction.Internal improvements have also been made: Shorter signal paths, optimized circuit routing, and a redefined grounding architecture aim for the lowest possible interference environment for data transmission.New power supply and optionsThe also redesigned external power supply, the Reiki Audio Pro X PSU, utilizes a 25 percent larger, encapsulated transformer, which is designed to minimize stray fields and ensure a stable, clean power supply. Optionally, the devices – both the switch and the power supply – can be combined with special decoupling feet from Stack Audio to further reduce mechanical interference. This isn't necessarily a bad choice, as fairaudio readers know.Deliberately minimalistThe core concept is consistently implemented in the design: The Reiki SuperSwitch X has only one input and one output as standard. Additional ports are deliberately avoided to eliminate potential sources of interference from the outset. However, a version with two outputs is available for specific applications.

Am I missing something?








Or was it an aprils fool?

05/04 be with you all!

I've chatted with the person behind Reiki Audio on another forum several times. He seems an affable chap and does genuinely appear to believe these products make a difference - but he's never been able to produce any measurements to back up his claims.

 

[Ruediger]

I mean, if the feet of these boxes don't speak to you....

Articles like that put the whole mag in a questionable light for me. But the industry here in germany is mainly in the "sell whatever goes" boat.

This Reiki box could at least try to be a proper switch. Something with actual use. But I guess this functionality is another pricy box.

 

[Palladium]

I've chatted with the person behind Reiki Audio on another forum several times. He seems an affable chap and does genuinely appear to believe these products make a difference - but he's never been able to produce any measurements to back up his claims.

Wait, I thought these guys hated digital?

 

[Mart68]

Wait, I thought these guys hated digital?

Which guys?

 

[totti1965]

This Reiki box could at least try to be a proper switch. Something with actual use. But I guess this functionality is another pricy box.

One LAN in - one LAN out. I simply said loud yesterday: "Whattttt?" It is like mounting a second steering wheel over the regular steering wheel of your car... just in case...

 

[Mart68]

One LAN in - one LAN out. I simply said loud yesterday: "Whattttt?" It is like mounting a second steering wheel over the regular steering wheel of your car... just in case...

There's a whole cargo cult around the idea that network streaming is infested with radio and electromagnetic interference, which doesn't affect data transfer but does modulate the audio signal and that this noise must be either blocked or 'drained away'.

The noise cannot be measured (hence no measurements) or heard and you only notice it when it's gone. Needless to say there's no controlled listening tests either.

Anti-vibration products have a similar cargo cult built around them, believers in one tend to believe in the other, so par for the course that they would also be recommended.

 

[Alan O]

There's a whole cargo cult around the idea that network streaming is infested with radio and electromagnetic interference, which doesn't affect data transfer but does modulate the audio signal and that this noise must be either blocked or 'drained away'

And huge sums of money are transferred every day using the same data transfer technology, yet not a single one of the cents being carried is even tarnished by electromagnetic interference!

 

[Purité Audio]

I've chatted with the person behind Reiki Audio on another forum several times. He seems an affable chap and does genuinely appear to believe these products make a difference - but he's never been able to produce any measurements to back up his claims.

And he never will.
Keith

 

[Ruediger]

The argument seems to be that em interference reaches the device's RJ45 port - which is correct. It's unclear if it can do anything there, or anything of influence not accounted for by the design. That would be explainable in detail and is at that point just something electrical going on.

The data transmitted via network is unaffected. Even when we route a lot of power (PoE) on the same basic cable. Or with switches with many ports and hundreds of W per PoE on the cables and ports. Or use cheap / under spec cables. The integrity of the data is maintained by protocols. That's what TCP is for. If the connection is weak, we get errors and re-transmits. Almost every busy connection has them counting up. Doesn't affect the content. It can make a connection unreliable and fail though. But another box won't help with that.

The same stories are spun for fibre links, which is even more absurd. These are either up or down, there is no inbetween or changing content.

 

[Alan O]

The same stories are spun for fibre links, which is even more absurd

I love that you can even get fibre optic cables with gold-plated ends... to connect with plastic!

 

[Ruediger]

I love that you can even get fibre optic cables with gold-plated ends... to connect with plastic!

I have gold colored plastic optical plugs myself. Always thought they do that just for the looks.

Would not wonder if some brands do actual gold plating on those plugs and sell that.

Also some brands claim they use higher grade optical material in the cable. That's something that can be done, but to my knowledge the common audio application does not nearly have the length or the bandwidth to require a higher grade fibre material. But there is a technical point from which on it matters. Same as with speaker cables. With huge length and load the larger diameter will start to matter. But who has that case?

 

[Alan O]

Would not wonder if some brands do actual gold plating on those plugs and sell that

Yep, they really do!

 

[Ruediger]

Yep, they really do!

Great feature. To get in the hundreds or thousands of $$$ they could also do multiple shielding layers and hook that up to the gold plug. It will do absolutely nothing, but not everyone knows that. Gotta protect the signal!

 

[Mart68]

And huge sums of money are transferred every day using the same data transfer technology, yet not a single one of the cents being carried is even tarnished by electromagnetic interference!

Indeed but the argument used to justify these devices is that the noise makes it through to the analogue output of the DAC and causes signal degradation at that point, not that it affects data transfer or integrity.

Whilst this doesn't seem impossible, at least to me, the lack of evidence ( no noise measured, no controlled listening test with fancy switch vs £25 standard one) is the big problem with this whole theory.

Spending £5K to solve a problem no-one has demonstrated exists on the basis of nothing more than a sighted comparison strikes me as reckless. Plus £5K is comparatively cheap I've seen these things costing into five figures.

 

[Alan O]

Indeed but the argument used to justify these devices is that the noise makes it through to the analogue output of the DAC and causes signal degradation at that point, not that it affects data transfer or integrity.

It doesn't get through to the analogue output of a DAC to spoil the music any more than it gets through to a bank ATM to devalue the cash. The only connections in a standard ethernet setup are the data lines themselves - no ground, no voltage - and the standard dictates they're galvanically isolated. I've heard the argument that the galvanic isolation might be sub-standard - but nobody has ever provided measured evidence of it (as you say), or supportive blind A/B testing as far as I'm aware. It's not as if the analogue output of a DAC is hard to do comparative measurements on!

There's a fairly easy way to do a listening test too, based on many streamers buffering up to 10 or 20 seconds of music ahead of actual playing. Cover your eyes and get someone to unplug and re-plug the RJ45 - and identify when they're doing it. You'd need to take care there are no tells (like make sure it's done quietly - or deliberately make noises without disconnecting), so it's far from perfect. But it seems like a reasonable start requiring little effort and no cost, which anyone can do at home. Yet when I've suggested it to 'audiophile' switch proponents, they've declined to even try.

 

[Mart68]

But it seems like a reasonable start requiring little effort and no cost - yet when I've suggested it to 'audiophile' switch proponents, they've declined to even try.

The lure of a magic box that you just buy and plug in for an instant 'veils lifting' experience is understandably strong.

Vendors and owners are just not interested in finding out if it really works because what if it doesn't?

 

[DSJR]

Apparently, according to the main UK-man at Melco (makers of expensive streamers and so on), it's the far-back of the perceived sound-stage/venue/room that is the reason for these expensive switchers...

Yet, I heard a set of ~£9,000 Dynaudio Focus 50s do this from their digital inputs (can't remember if they were wirelessly streamed) with consummate ease on several nicely done live recordings (I was seriously impressed despite the usual (to me) Dynaudio 'slightly cold' tonality. These speakers sadly, don't seem to have caught on (far better for their dealers to make the figures up with passive speakers and a host of expensive amp upgrades which arguably can never be as good as a well judged active model).

I've been recently presented with a pile of HFN mags to persuade me that a brand I now thought expensive actually isn't in the hi-end scheme of things (the sender is absolutely correct!). I'm absolutely stunned how such terribly designed products, especially a good few godawful performing expensive speakers (midrange suckout equates to deep sound-stage with the boxes 'disappearing' and I'd suggest old age (many reviewers are over 70 now I believe) means they don't subjectively hear the 10 - 20kHz rises up to 10dB on some models), are fawned over by Ken Kessler and others, with some backup from tech guy Paul Miller (like JA and Martin Colloms in the past, one needs to read between the lines as to what's implied if not actually stated).

How the above ties in to snake oil I suspect is that many of these 'add-ons' are supposedly to correct for flaws in the gear itself, especially if the errors are on the borders of being subliminal. Still stunned there's still a market for this stuff, especially in the cash-strapped UK...