Product Description

Reiki Audio RakuStream High-Performance Network Cable

Designed for the Final Network Connection

The Reiki Audio RakuStream is a high-performance, triple-shielded Ethernet network cable developed specifically for the final connection between a network switch and an audio streamer. Combining pure copper conductors, multi-layer shielding and directional grounding, RakuStream is designed to manage unwanted electrical noise while maintaining the high-speed data transmission required by modern streaming systems.

Developed through extensive R&D and comparative listening tests, RakuStream reflects Reiki Audio’s focus on reducing unwanted noise and interference throughout the digital audio chain. It is designed to complement products such as the Reiki Audio SuperSwitch and OpticalBridge, helping preserve the benefits of their noise-reduction and network-isolation approach at the final connection to your streamer.

Triple-Shielded Construction

RakuStream uses eight stranded 26 AWG oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors, arranged as four tightly twisted pairs. Each pair features polyethylene (PE) insulation, selected for its electrical properties, and individual foil wrapping that provides 100% shield coverage to help minimise crosstalk.

The four pairs are then surrounded by three layers of shielding and protection:

• Individual foil shielding: Each twisted pair is foil-wrapped for 100% coverage.
• First overall copper braid: Provides an additional shielding layer around the four pairs.
• Dense outer copper braid: Offers more than 95% coverage as the third shielding layer.

A protective PE jacket sits beneath the outer copper braid, while a final PET braid provides an additional protective finish. This carefully layered construction is designed to provide effective protection against unwanted electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI).

Directional Shield Grounding

A defining feature of RakuStream is its directionally grounded shielding, with the cable shield grounded at the network switch end only.

In conventional shielded Ethernet cables, grounding the shield at both ends can provide a path for unwanted high-frequency noise to travel between connected devices. An unshielded cable avoids that particular path but leaves the conductors more exposed to radiated interference.

RakuStream takes a different approach by combining comprehensive shielding with directional grounding. The design aims to reduce the ingress of radiated interference while avoiding a direct shield-ground connection at the streamer end.

This makes RakuStream a natural complement to network switches and fibre bridges designed to reduce unwanted noise before the signal reaches sensitive audio equipment.

Designed for High-Speed Network Audio

Although developed with high-performance audio systems in mind, RakuStream is engineered to handle data rates well beyond the requirements of high-resolution music streaming. It comfortably meets Cat 8 performance requirements, making it suitable for demanding Ethernet applications as well as dedicated audio networks.

The cable can be used between any compatible network switch and streamer. While particularly relevant to systems incorporating Reiki Audio network products, its design is not limited to a particular brand or network configuration.

Hand Assembled in England

Every RakuStream cable is assembled, tested and packed in Reiki Audio’s own workshops in central England. The labour-intensive production process relies on skilled hands-on assembly rather than fully automated manufacturing, with careful attention given to the cable’s construction and termination.

High-quality Telegärtner RJ45 plugs provide the network connections, while direction-indicating heatshrink helps identify the intended orientation for installation.

Key Features

• High-performance Ethernet network cable for audio systems
• Designed for the final switch-to-streamer connection
• Eight stranded 26 AWG OFC conductors
• Four tightly twisted pairs with PE insulation
• Individual foil shielding with 100% coverage
• Triple-shielded construction
• Overall copper braid and dense outer copper braid with over 95% coverage
• Directionally grounded shielding, grounded at the switch end only
• High-quality Telegärtner RJ45 plugs
• Direction-indicating heatshrink
• Meets Cat 8 performance requirements
• Hand assembled and tested in central England
• Compatible with a wide range of network switches and streamers

Reiki Audio RakuStream combines carefully engineered conductor layout, comprehensive shielding and directional grounding in a dedicated network cable for high-performance digital audio systems.