For Use with Network Streaming
and Storage Devices
Network streaming devices primarily send and receive media files over an IP network.
However, many of these devices include USB input ports. Here are some suggestions for
improving the overall audio performance of a system that relies on network equipment:
1. Besides an Ethernet connection, many of today’s streamers include one or more USB
input ports. These ports can offer compatibility with mobile devices (such as iOS or
Android), or they may be designed to work with mass storage devices (such as hard
drives or memory sticks). In either circumstance, plugging a JitterBug into these ports
can improve the overall sound of your streamer—even when nothing is connected
to the port. Therefore, irrespective of the port being in use, the JitterBug filter(s)
may significantly improve your system’s overall performance—even when music is
being played through a completely separate digital input. Typically, streamers will
offer two USB ports—one on the front and one on the back. In these cases, you
should feel free to use JitterBugs on both ports. However, we’ve encountered rare
instances in which a streamer provides as many as six USB ports. In these rare cases,
we again recommend using no more than two JitterBugs per USB bus system. If you
are unsure of how many USB buses exist on your streamer, err on the side of caution:
Presume that it has only one bus and that two JitterBugs will suffice.
2. Networked Attached Storage (NAS) devices are very popular and attractive solutions
for storing large media libraries. Many NAS devices include USB ports for connecting
external devices, such as additional hard drives. Plugging JitterBug(s) into the USB
port(s) on the NAS—again, irrespective of the port(s) being in use or not—may
improve the overall sonic performance of your system.
3. Routers, such as an Apple Airport Express, may include a USB port. These ports
are often intended for connecting USB printers or other such devices. Plugging a
JitterBug into this port, regardless of whether the port has a device connected to it,
can improve the sound of your network audio system.
eSATA
Network Attached Storage
Portable USB HDD
