Computer Audio Design’s (CAD) Scott Berry is passionate about getting the best sound possible from digital audio, hence his company’s name. Both his iconic 1543 DAC, now in its MkIII generation, and his tiny but mighty USB Filter, are high commended in this year’s Hi-Fi Plus Awards.

Highly commended: CAD 1543 MkIII DAC

“CAD stands for ‘Computer Audio Design’, but it might as well be ‘Compromise Avoidance Design’, such is the purity of its products,” writes the magazines.

Reviewer Jason Kennedy, who has tested all three of the 1543’s generations, says that “while the earlier two generations had a relaxed and natural balance, this latest iteration is more exciting.”

“The CAD 1543 MkIll [reviewed in issue 243] is still a beautifully relaxed and refined DAC, making much of the competition sound grainy and forced. However, it has more spring in its step, which is great for timing and appears to have no drawbacks, even for someone who loves relaxed sound. That energy comes through without any digital hardness either. Its authentic and honest tone is perhaps its strongest aspect, though; you feel it is telling the unvarnished truth. It’s a real and rare treat.”

Highly commended: CAD USB Filter

CAD’s USB filter is a very small device that makes a big difference. Designed as a USB upgrade, it reduces high-frequency noise on the four conductors within any USB cable – the two signal, ground and the particularly problematic power rail.

“As the process of USB sending the necessary 5V to power connected devices is inherently noisy, the USB Filter introduces an additional butter between that noise source and your USB receiver,” notes the magazine, which reviewed the device in issue 240.

The exact nature of the device’s filtration remains a closely guarded secret, so the proof of the design is in the listening. “Simply connect CAD’s USB Filter between your cable’s USB-B plug and your audio system’s USB-Type B receiver socket, and be prepared to become a believer,” says Hi-Fi Plus’ editor Alan Sircom, who tested the device “with many USB cables, and found it functioned effectively on all of them.”

“Already quick-sounding USB cables acquire a slightly ‘crisper’ and ‘livelier’ quality, expansive cables gain additional dynamic range and scale, and those cables that excel in enhancing a soundstage suddenly uncover even more potential,” he says.

His conclusion: “Use USB cables? CAD’s filter will undoubtedly bring out the best in them.”

Discover the full range of CAD’s products and locate your nearest specialist retailer at www.computeraudiodesign.com/

Check out all of the Hi-Fi Plus Award winners in the magazine’s December issue.