Model Option:
• OpticalBridge Plus with iFi iPower 2 PSU: $2,150
The Reiki Audio OpticalBridge brings no-noise networking to those using ethernet wired connections. There is no need to lift carpets or floorboards to replace your existing ethernet cabling; a short optical connection will give just as much benefit as a longer one, as noise cannot cross an optical connection.
You will of course need two SFP-port-equipped devices for your optical link; either a pair of OpticalBridges or one OpticalBridge to install just before your streamer and an SFP port-equipped router or switch upstream.
OpticalBridges have our unique dual shielding which adds copper lining to the class-leading 5mm milled aluminum case. We also apply additional copper shielding to the SFP port and make selective use of RFI/EMI absorption material to provide the best possible performance at this very last stage of the audio chain before your streamer.
A word on grounding:
Many audiophiles swear by the importance of effective grounding of all their system components; our experience suggests the difference is system-dependent but we wanted to ensure that our OpticalBridge units not only makes grounding easier for those committed to its use but also provides for future flexibility; you don’t have to use the grounding post at all but it’s there if you change your mind.
While the case of an AC-powered device grounds to earth as standard, via the earth wire in its AC mains cable, most DC-powered devices do not. The OpticalBridge grounding post makes it easy to ground its aluminum and copper chassis; you can use a grounding wire such as our RakuGround+ or RakuGround PRO to connect the unit to the grounding post on our PRO PSU (effectively making the Optical Bridge case an extension of the PRO PSU case), to a grounding box, or to a grounding plug (these are typically yellow plugs which fit into a wall socket and the only metal pin on them is the earth pin).