AXPONA 2025

AXPONA 2025 marked the debut of Computer Audio Design’s 1543 DAC Mk.III ($19,500), presented by CAD founders Scott Berry and Isabel Whitley. Also on hand were the CAD CAT (Computer Audio Transport, ca. $15,000) and a suite of CAD noise-reduction devices.

The 1543 DAC Mk.III runs 20 Philips TDA1543 chips in parallel. According to CAD, its power supply transformers and choke rectification improve dynamics and transient response. “Even though the chip is 16-bit, it can decode 24-bit/176.4kHz files natively,” Berry said.

An array of CAD’s passive ground control devices appeared throughout the system, including the USB II-R cable ($1500), Ground Control G1.1 ($2250), GC3.1 ($5995), several ground cables ($350/each), USB Control ($750), and Ethernet Control ($1250). Even the aluminum cabinets of the Stenheim Alumine Two SE speakers ($16,950/pair) were grounded with CAD solutions. “Stenheim is adding connectors for our grounding devices to its speakers,” Berry said, indicating that CAD’s approach is gaining traction beyond its own product line.

With contributions from the Aesthetix Mimas integrated amplifier ($9000), Turnbull Audio cabling, and a MoFi Solidsteel equipment stand, the system produced very fine sound via a CD of Murray Perahia and Radu Lupu playing Mozart’s Concerto for Two and Three Pianos.