Audioquest JitterBug USB Data & Power Noise Filter for External USB DAC's, USB Peripheral, Mobile Phones, Media Devices Portable Headphone Amplifier

An easy sonic upgrade for your USB DAC - We're big fans of AudioQuest's award-winning DragonFly plug-in USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Now AQ has developed the JitterBug, an innovative device made to enhance the performance of the DragonFly — or any other USB DAC. You simply plug the ultra-compact JitterBug into the USB port of any computer, DAC, receiver, streamer, NAS device, or car stereo to reduce noise and restore your music's clarity, dynamics, and warmth. You can even connect it to your smartphone. How does it work? The JitterBug is a dual-function filter that cleans up noise in both the power and data portions of the USB interface. It performs like a line conditioner for the USB voltage bus, as well as acting as a signal filter for the USB data bus. In both cases it suppresses electrical noise that interferes with your DAC's sensitive circuitry. The JitterBug can reduce timing jitter as well, but it doesn't re-clock the digital audio stream to eliminate jitter. Slightly smaller than the DragonFly, the JitterBug has a male USB plug on one end and a female USB port on the other. If you already own a DragonFly, the JitterBug is an easy, affordable upgrade. Simply plug JitterBug into any of your computer's available USB ports, then plug the DragonFly into JitterBug's USB port. If you're using a different USB DAC, you plug the JitterBug into an available USB port, and use a USB cable to connect the JitterBug to your DAC. The Problem: All computing devices—laptops, smartphones, Network Attached Storage devices (NAS drives), media servers, etc.—inherently generate a significant amount of noise and parasitic resonances. Additionally, computers contribute a considerable amount of RFI and EMI pollution onto the signal paths—all of which can easily find its way onto your USB cables and into your audio system. This noise and interference has many negative effects. Noise-compromised digital circuitry increases jitter and packet errors, resulting in distortion that causes a comparatively flat and irritating sound. Noise-compromised analog circuitry also damages the sound’s depth, warmth and resolution. The Solution: JitterBug’s dual-circuitry measurably reduces unwanted noise currents and parasitic resonances. It also reduces jitter and packet errors (in some cases, packet errors are completely eliminated). The Result: Clearer and more compelling sound, music, dialog, etc. A better audio experience. Use one JitterBug in series (in line) with any computer and USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Use an additional JitterBug in parallel with the first for improved playback performance. Use JitterBug with other locally connected USB devices, such as hard drives, printers, and cameras, to effectively reduce audio interference. Use JitterBug with USB-enabled network devices, such as routers, NAS devices, and streamers. Use JitterBug with mobile devices into audio systems in the home and in the car. FAQ's - Q: Where can I use JitterBug? A: JitterBug is primarily designed to work in series with a USB enabled DAC (and USB cable). Plugging one JitterBug in series with your USB DAC will help to improve the overall sound of your computer-audio system. Q: Can I plug one JitterBug into another, having multiples in series? A: No. Plugging two filters in series may have an adverse effect on the overall sound of a computer-audio system. Your system will likely work, but the sound may take a step backwards. Q: Will JitterBug improve the sound of my computer audio even when I’m not using a USB DAC? A: Yes. For instance, if your computer is connected to your A/V system via Toslink or HDMI, and your music is stored on an external USB 2.0 or 3.0 hard drive, adding a JitterBug in between the external hard drive and computer will yield an overall improvement in sound. While we recommend using JitterBug with USB hard drives, one may want to temporarily remove JitterBug when attempting to move large files over the 3.0 specification—that is, when both the USB bus and USB hard drive are both 3.0 compliant—in order to take advantage of 3.0’s speed. Once file transfer is complete, safely eject the hard drive, reinsert the JitterBug, and reconnect the hard drive. Q: Can I use JitterBug with mobile devices? A: Absolutely. Today’s mobile devices, such as Android and iOS phones and tablets, often function as one’s primary music source. Applications such as Bandcamp, iTunes, Google Play, NPR Music, Spotify, and Tidal offer nearly limitless access to music. Additionally, virtually all modern automobiles, A/V receivers, and many multi-input DACs now offer a front-panel Android/iOS USB connection port. As mobile phones generate a significant amount of noise and RF interference, adding a JitterBug in between your mobile device and your component’s USB input will yield meaningful improvements to the sound quality.