Why such a difference? Tidal on MacBook vs PC

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Yes, I think so. If you discuss the issues with Schiit around the challenges and pitfalls of implementing USB products that have Windows support, they will tell you that MS USB implementations have been (very) troubled and poor-performing. This is where Eitr could really help, if your DAC had a SPDIF input. Unfortunately for the Dragonfly, this won't help you.

I just ordered a JitterBug from Audioquest and the Dragonfly/JitterBug will be travel companions only as I usually bring my MacBook with me on vacations and travels. Hopefully the JitterBug works as advertised.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Only with a premium power cord

[PHC1]

Audioquest JitterBug.
"Reduces the noise and ringing that plague both the data and power lines of USB ports
Measurably reduces jitter and packet errors
Improves dynamic contrast, warmth and resolution"
Not very good for popping kernels....

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Audioquest JitterBug.
"Reduces the noise and ringing that plague both the data and power lines of USB ports
Measurably reduces jitter and packet errors
Improves dynamic contrast, warmth and resolution"
Not very good for popping kernels....

I have played around with these, I found they did more harm than good.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

I have played around with these, I found they did more harm than good.

Back to Amazon it will go then.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Back to Amazon it will go then.

For $50 it was worth a shot.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by krustycat

I for example use a music server based on Windows Server 2012 running in core mode. I have not tried Tidal, but my music sounds as good as it sounds when playing a CD or SACD.

Could well be that the USB interface/controller on your Esoteric K-03 is cleaning up quite a bit any noise/hash/grunge from your computer. Also, you're running a CAPS, and it's USB output may be quite a bit cleaner than the PC laptop Serge is using.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I just ordered a JitterBug from Audioquest and the Dragonfly/JitterBug will be travel companions only as I usually bring my MacBook with me on vacations and travels. Hopefully the JitterBug works as advertised.

I would agree with Ivan; for $50, at least it give a try. I found it's pretty good when used with a Mac Mini or Macbook Pro and it will definitely clean things up a bit. Not as much as Eitr, but it will be an improvement. You can put a second one in the other unused USB port on your MBP f you want additional benefits, but I don't recommend daisy-chaining them. But, definitely give it a shot before you send it back to Amazon. I think it works well with a Dragonfly. I'm not sure it would bring much to the table when used with an Esoteric D-02X, though.

[krustycat]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Could well be that the USB interface/controller on your Esoteric K-03 is cleaning up quite a bit any noise/hash/grunge from your computer. Also, you're running a CAPS, and it's USB output may be quite a bit cleaner than the PC laptop Serge is using.

Yes, very true. The CAPS machine that I use is very powerful and runs on DC current connected to a UPS and the USB is connected to the special PCI card with filters, etc, etc.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I would agree with Ivan; for $50, at least it give a try. I found it's pretty good when used with a Mac Mini or Macbook Pro and it will definitely clean things up a bit. Not as much as Eitr, but it will be an improvement. You can put a second in the other unused USB port on your MBP f you want, for additional benefits, but I don't recommend daisy-chaining them. But give it a shot before you send it back to Amazon.

Stephen, I saw that adding a second one to an unused USB port will improve sound on their website but I am skeptical. Of course I will try the JitterBug just to see what happens. Not sure if I will waste another $50 for a second one. I may just look for an alternative setup for portable travel companion solution.

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 make me smarter, thinner, taller, and more attractive?
A: Absolutely! … Not. But it will make your audio system sound fuller, richer, and far more musical, which in turn will make you far happier. And isn’t that what life is really all about?