Jitterbug USB data and power noise filter

Jitterbug USB data and power noise filter

$139

Reduce the jitters!
Reduce noise and ringing from data and power lines via USB

Local pickup or $11 flat rate shipping within Australia

Dual Discrete Noise-Dissipation Circuits

– Reduce noise and ringing from data and power lines via USB
– Significantly improves jitter and packet errors
– Improve dynamic contrast, warmth and resolution

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 AND 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.

All your questions answered here!

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: Is JitterBug USB 3.0 compliant?

A: No. JitterBug is intentionally noncompliant with the 3.0 standard. Higher speeds result in higher frequencies and more noise. When used with USB 3.0 devices, JitterBug purposely decelerates the device to USB 2.0 specifications.

JitterBug’s dual-function line-conditioning circuitry works on both the data (communication) and vbus (power) lines of USB ports: The latter reduces noise and prevents EMI and RFI from contaminating the associated digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and/or cable. The former minimizes parasitic resonances created by the computer and USB bus, and is optimized to remove noise above the USB 2.0 frequency specification, making it ideal for audio playback.

When transferring large amounts of data, we suggest that you remove JitterBug from your device. Simply reinstall JitterBug prior to your next listening session. (See below: “Will JitterBug improve the sound of my computer audio even when I’m not using a USB DAC?”)

Q: Does JitterBug require a device driver installation?
A: Nope. JitterBug is a passive device. There are no active circuits or logic systems.

Q: How many Jitterbugs can I use on my computer?
A: In our observations, we have found that positive improvements are obtained with up to two parallel JitterBugs per USB bus. For example, a typical laptop will have two to three USB ports, but only one bus. So, using two JitterBugs and leaving the third port open will yield positive results, but installing a third JitterBug, in our opinion, takes a step backwards. When going beyond more than two JitterBugs per bus, the sound becomes dark and congested.

However, some computers may have more than one bus. Custom gaming laptops and PC towers are two examples of computers that may have more than one USB bus. In these cases, using two JitterBugs on each bus will yield extraordinary results. That said, if you don’t know how many buses are on your computer, err on the side of caution and assume there is only one bus.

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.

Q: I inserted JitterBug in between my computer and DAC and now my computer doesn’t see my DAC. Why is this and how can I resolve the issue?
A: Your DAC may have a USB controller that is on the outer edges of USB compliancy. In such cases, JitterBug’s tight tolerances may be just enough to exclude communication between your computer and DAC. In particular, issues seem to be common with DACs that employ Tenor USB microcontrollers. DACs that use microcontrollers from Microchip, Texas Instruments, and XMOS (to name a few) work fine.

If your DAC doesn’t enumerate (visibly appear in the OS settings), or if you experience severe and obvious levels of distortion, adding an active USB hub will more than likely repair the issue. Active USB hubs have an active hub controller. This hub controller buffers and often reclocks the bi-directional communication between host (computer) and peripheral (DAC). This controller will rectify any communication issues that may be preventing your DAC from working with a JitterBug/computer combination.

On the surface, adding a USB hub may seem like a hassle, but it can also be seen as an additional opportunity to upgrade the overall performance of a computer-audio system. Many customers have reported that adding an active USB hub improved the sound of their system, with the only drawback being the need for an additional USB cable. In the event that you need to add a hub, be sure to add a USB cable that is identical to the one already in your system, thus ensuring signal continuity and optimal performance. Also keep in mind that, in general, for this particular application, shorter cables will offer better performance.

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

At Len Wallis Audio, whether you’re purchasing in store, over the phone or online through our ecommerce store, we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.

Our Refund, Return and Repairs Policy is here to clarify any concerns or questions you might have prior to you making a purchase from us. This way you can be sure of our policy on refunds, returns and repairs and your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

We also recommend you immediately inspect any goods that you receive from us to ensure you are completely satisfied with the goods, including that the goods are of acceptable quality, and match the description we have provided to you.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at sales@lenwalluisaudio.com.au or 02 9427 6755

We require a receipt or proof of purchase.

  • Please do not send your purchase back to the original manufacturer.
  • There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable). For example:
    • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
    • Any item that is returned for reason of change of mind more than 14 days after delivery or purchase from the store.

Consumer Guarantees and Your Rights under the Australian Consumer Law

Refer to our page for more information.

Goods Damaged in Transit.

If any goods arrive damaged, please contact us as soon as possible. Len Wallis Audio will arrange to have the damaged goods returned and either arrange for a replacement of the goods or refund the price to you. Damaged goods must be returned in the condition received by you with all original packaging, accessories and/or manuals.

Refunds

Refunds will be normally be processed within five (5) days.

Delivery Charges

Where Len Wallis Audio considers the goods to have breached a consumer guarantee, any shipping costs to return the goods to Len Wallis Audio will be at our cost.

Returns and Repairs.

You may visit Len Wallis Audio and a staff member will assist you with any return or repair. This may include inspecting the goods, arranging for the goods to be repaired, or providing you with a replacement.

Goods must be returned within a reasonable time. 

If any goods cannot be easily returned to us due to their size, the fault or because they have been affixed or installed in your premises, please contact us and we will arrange an inspection to assess the goods.

Goods returned for repair will be assessed and/or repaired within a reasonable time. You may be provided with an indicative repair time, which time may vary due to reasons beyond ours or the repairer’s reasonable control, such as part availability and incorrect fault description.

You may be required to pay labour, assessment and/or freight fees, such as where goods are assessed to have been damaged by misuse or accident, or where your rights under the Australian Consumer Law or any manufacturer’s warranty do not apply. We may provide you with an indicative fee, which may vary due to reasons beyond our control.

If any goods that you return are capable of retaining user generated data such as files stored on a hard drive, and songs stored on a portable media player, the replacement or repair of the goods may result in loss of the data. In these circumstances, we recommend you back up data to prevent data loss, and remove sensitive or confidential data, as a party assessing and/or repairing your goods may be required to view data in the course of carrying out the assessment. We will not be responsible for any data loss.

In some circumstances, goods presented for repair may be replaced by refurbished goods of the same type rather than being repaired. Refurbished parts may be used to repair the goods.

Contact Us

Where you have any questions or concerns relating to your Order, please immediately contact us

We understand that sometimes you may simply change your mind about a purchase or have made a wrong selection. In these situations, you have 14 days in which to return your item for a refund, exchange or store credit. If more than 14 days has passed since your purchase we can’t offer you a refund, exchange or store credit.

To be eligible for a return, refund or store credit your item must be in the same condition that you received it. Which is to say, it must be in the original unopened packaging, and in ‘brand new’ saleable condition.

Please note that current Australian Consumer Law does not require us to offer a ‘Change of Mind’ refund. Rather Len Wallis Audio offers 14 day ‘Change of Mind Policy’ in good faith. For more information on consumer rights and guarantees, please visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission web site.