What does "jitter" sound like????


How does it manifest itself when a CD is played back through a DAC? How do you know if your transport has jitter problems?

Gracias!
phild
Hi Phild; It's been my experience that when a jitter reducer is used, it removes some to much of the shrillness, edginess, and a harsh electronic sound of particularly low priced CD players. In my case it particularly improved the upper mid-range and low treble, and made music less fatiguing.

I have used Sonic Frontiers Ultra Jitter Bugs with Sony CD players, ie CA9ES and 701ES with good results. The UJB also converts Toslink to coax. I've also used Theta's TLC successfully. You just have to try it to see if it improves the sound of your system. I haven't heard it, but the Monarchy DIP has gotten good reviews. Cheers. Craig
Pick up a copy of Stereophile's Test Disk #2. There's a jitter demonstration track on it that will show you what it sounds like. It won't necessarily help you to recognize when you are hearing it on your own player, though. If you have never heard a CD player without it, you may not recognize when it's there.

k
Jitter is easier to hear when it is removed. I use several systems with separate DACs. Each system was vastly improved by using true 75 ohm cables and connectors. IMHO jitter boxes are a must for digital separates. In one of my systems I have two Theta Digital TLCs fiollowed by a Monarchy DIP MKII and then an Assemblage UJB-1. The sound is fantastic. One time I removed the Theta TLCs and I though that system still sounded good, until I relaized that it was missing ambience, soundstage depth... Removing jitter improves bass (more solid) the highs are better (cymbals and bells more natural). Everything improves when jitter is reduced. The music is so natural and lifelike it is hard to believe the difference a good jitter filter or 75 ohm cable can make!