Network Player Taiko Audio Extreme Router Silver

Taiko Audio Extreme Router – network router in an all-copper chassis for building a dedicated audio network

The Extreme Router is a specialised network router designed for the Taiko Extreme and Olympus music servers, tasked with managing data volume and flow and reducing network noise levels before they enter the playback chain. The device creates a dedicated audio-only network, placed in series after your ISP's modem or router, so the music server remains isolated from household network traffic. The entire construction is enclosed in a chassis machined from a single block of solid copper, measuring 22 x 22 x 5 cm.

Noise reduction is achieved through two mechanisms. The first is the aforementioned separation of data traffic, the second an integrated Wi-Fi network optimised for Roon Control, to which the control tablet or phone connects directly. Playback control therefore doesn't pass through the home network and doesn't introduce additional communication into it. The Wi-Fi section is implemented with the resulting sound quality in mind, rather than maximum range or versatility.

Connectivity is provided by one WAN port for the internet feed and three individually configurable outputs – one leads to the music server, or alternatively to an Extreme Switch, while the remaining two can be dedicated for instance to a Wi-Fi access point or a wired control computer. There is an SFP port accepting a DAC cable or an ethernet cable via an optional RJ45/SFP adapter and four RJ45 ports, three of which are usable when the DAC port is occupied. The SFP output operates in Gigabit/1000 Mbps mode and is not compatible with 100Mbps components. Grounding is handled by an M6 terminal with an opening for a 4mm hex key.

Power is supplied by a standard 12–19 V DC source, with a standard mains adapter included in the box; the connector measures 2.5 mm inner / 5.5 mm outer diameter with a length of 11.3 mm (14 mm recommended). Using a higher-quality linear power supply, ideally in combination with the Extreme DC Power Distributor, brings further improvement – the DCD allows both the Extreme Switch and the Extreme Router to be powered from a single source with better results than with two separate supplies, particularly when connected via a DAC cable. According to the manufacturer, the interplay of these solutions manifests itself in greater naturalness, resolution of low-level detail and spatial imaging of both local and streamed recordings. The chassis is available in a satin black or high-gloss chrome finish, the DAC cable in lengths of 2, 3 and 5 metres.

Key features

• Chassis: Machined from a single block of solid copper
• Audio network: Creates a dedicated audio-only network behind the home router
• Wi-Fi: Its own network optimised for Roon Control
• Connectivity: WAN port, SFP port and 4 RJ45 ports
• Power: 12–19 V DC, compatible with the DC Power Distributor