1543 MKII DAC

The 1543 MKII DAC is optimized to work with a computer or audio server. There is one USB input and one set of unbalanced RCA outputs.

The 1543 MKII DAC is “Plug & Play” and will work with almost any audio server on the market, including:  Innuos, Auralic, Melco, Aurender, Antipodes and Fidata.

The 1543 MKII DAC uses as few components as possible in the signal path. For that reason we do not offer additional inputs or outputs.

DAC chips are isolated from the USB input

Many DACs on the market use the +5Vdc power in the USB Cable to power the USB Interface of the DAC.  This +5Vdc is supplied by the USB connected computer server. The 1543 MKII DAC USB Interface does not use this power!  CAD has proprietary galvanic isolation that stops any current from the computer server from entering the DAC.  The +5Vdc connection inisde the USB cable is not used in any way and is not necessary with the CAD 1543 MKII DAC.

Asynchronous USB input

With a normal USB (either synchronous or adaptive) input the data is sent by the computer using the computer’s clock. The DAC must extract the data when the computer sends it. A serious issue with this process relates to a type of digital distortion called jitter. Computers have high amounts of jitter and we believe jitter is a major cause of poor sound quality.

With Asynchronous USB input the DAC receives the data from the computer and then using its own clocks the data is sent on to the next stage in the DAC .

We use custom fixed frequency oscillators in our DAC. We supply these oscillators with power supplies that we have developed to achieve the best sound quality possible.

Power Supplies

One of the first questions we are typically asked is “what DAC IC do you use?” We agree that the DAC technology is important, but CAD feels the power supplies are at least as important!  We have spent a significant part of our research developing power supplies for the 1543 MKII DAC.

Non Over Sampling DAC

We are trying to reproduce a more natural “analog” sound that is typical of well-designed turntables. We are convinced that Non-Over-Sampling DACs achieve a more realistic natural musical experience.

R-2R resistor ladder DAC chip technology

CAD believes that sigma delta technology used in many DACs does not sound as natural as resistor ladder technology. The CAD 1543 MKII DAC is so-called because it uses sixteen vintage Philips TDA1543 DAC Integrated Circuits.

We use only the highest quality parts available

Our parts come from the finest manufacturers in the world. We work closely with small manufacturers in the UK, USA, Australia and Europe and have sourced only the highest quality components possible.

Acrylic Case

The 1543 MKII DAC case is made entirely from laser cut 10mm thick acrylic. CAD does not use acrylic just to be different, it is actually more complex and expensive to manufacture than aluminium or other conductive materials. We use acrylic because it’s mechanical and electrical properties offer sonic benefits over other materials.

The 1543 MKII DAC must be heard to fully understand.  Contact a dealer near you.

Custom colours and finishes are available please contact us for more information.