Taiko Audio Extreme Network Switch

Released in March 2023 the Taiko Audio Extreme Network Switch is a new product designed to elevate the performance of the Extreme SGM Server to a whole new level.

This switch is designed to replace and improve upon the direct network connection on the Extreme SGM Server (both SFP and Ethernet connections)

In typical Taiko fashion they have left no stone unturned in the development of the Extreme Network Switch, it is milled out of one piece of copper and is just over 21cm square, it weighs in at just under 16kg in weight and it has been under development for quite some time. I discussed it with Taiko in Munich 2022 originally and it has only just launched in March 2023

The Extreme Network Switch isn’t a switch in the conventional sense, it only offers 1 input and 1 output.

The input SFP+ slot on the switch can take either SFP+ or Ethernet with the correct module.

In terms of output to the Extreme SGM Server you can use SFP+, Ethernet or a DAC cable.

DAC stands for Direct Attach Copper – it has nothing to do with a DAC in the sense everyone thinks. A Direct Attach Copper cable or a “DAC cable” is a twinax copper cable terminated with SFP connectors that connects directly the SFP ports (or line cards) within active equipment, such as switches, routers, servers or data storage devices, in a data network.

All new Taiko’s now come with the new Extreme Network Card fitted as standard and this card combined with the Extreme Network Switch delivers a new level of purity and clarity from the Extreme SGM Server that many thought was not possible, but they have genuinely elevated to the performance to a new level.

Existing Taiko owners can add the Extreme Network Card for £1750 for for £6800 with the Extreme Switch

The combination of the Extreme Switch and Extreme Network Card reduces noise by offloading (moving) processing from the Extreme music server to the Switch, it effectively turns the whole network ecosystem of the Extreme SGM Server into a very quiet environment, this levels Roon performance up by a significant margin.

Specifications:

• Dimensions 21 x 21 x 6 cm / 8.27 x 8.27 x 2.36 inch
• Weight: 15,7 Kg / 34.61 lbs
• Color: Chrome Polished
• 2 SFP+ ports
• Standard 12VDC SMPS Power Supply included
• Power consumption ~500mA on 12 VDC
• Standard DC barrel polarity (middle pin positive +)
• 5.5 / 2.5mm DC connector
• Input voltage range 12-19VDC