JundoStream Reference “Last Link” Network Cable No other network cable looks like it; no other network cable sounds like it. Buoyed by the results of our listening tests in developing the RakuStream+, the Reiki Audio team set to work on a parallel project to understand and test the outer limits of network cable performance. Diving deeply into every single aspect of cable design, we concluded that the physical structure of network cables, whether Cat-compliant or audiophile or both, essentially limits their audio performance. All these other network cables are a variant of the same basic architecture: 4 foil-wrapped twisted pairs lying adjacent to each other with a braided shield around all four pairs which is grounded to both plugs. This architecture, along with high twist rates, is what allows Cat 8 cables to reliably carry far more data than Cat 7, Cat 6, etc because it is effective at rejecting RFI noise while minimising crosstalk between pairs. These cables minimise crosstalk by using variable twist rates to make sure the conductors of adjacent pairs do not have regular contact points along their length. By definition, only one pair can have the highest twist rate of the four and this pair is the best at rejecting RFI noise. If we could use four twisted pairs with the same twist rate as the highest, noise rejection would be improved… but of course the risk of crosstalk would increase. Tricky… The answer is of course to physically separate out the twisted pairs so that they can all share the same twist rate as the highest (for noise rejection) but without the risk of crosstalk; the JundoStream consists of 4 twisted pairs with a twist rate exceeding Cat 8, laid out in parallel and interspersed with 3 air-filled silicone spacer tubes to maintain a consistent distance between pairs. Beyond assembling some crude prototypes to test the theory, there was no way to further develop the JundoStream iteratively, we simply had to commit and hope it would deliver in practice what it promised in theory. This meant investing serious amounts of time and money in designing, specifying and commissioning our own twisted pairs; in designing and sourcing our own cable “combs” to maintain consistent distance between the pairs; and to the substantial technical challenge of designing and manufacturing a 7-into-1 plug which terminates in an RJ45 connector. We couldn’t be certain until we heard our first complete assembled cable whether all of the theoretical advantages would translate into a cable which sounded even better than the RakuStream+ Frankly, we didn’t dare to dream it would pay off as spectacularly as it has. All our cables are assembled, tested and packed in our own workshops in central England. The manufacturing process for the JundoStream relies on skilled humans rather than machines and is as labour-intensive as you’d expect (we could make several RakuStream+ in the time it takes to make just one JundoStream). It’s a labour of love and the sonic results speak for themselves. JundoStream cables are available in Statement White (shown) and Stealth Black (images to follow); lead times are typically 1-2 weeks. Standard lengths for both are 1m, 1.5m and 2m; should you require a custom length, please contact us with your requirements so we can advise on feasibility, costs and timescales.
