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CAD · Noise Reduction
$1,400
Not currently in our rooms. For a serious buyer we will often bring a piece in from the manufacturer for a private session — tell us about your system and what you are weighing it against, and we will advise.
CAD · Noise Reduction
An in-line Ethernet noise filter with CAD's own isolation transformers and noise-absorbing materials, fitted between the network cable and a streamer, server, switch or DAC.
Price is for one Ethernet Control. It plugs directly into the component; the network cable plugs into it.
Authorized CAD dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
Streaming brings the whole network into the audio system, and with it the high-frequency noise of routers, switches, power-line adapters and the house wiring. Computer Audio Design's Ethernet Control is a small in-line device that sits at the end of the network cable. Inside are proprietary CAD transformers that galvanically isolate the connection and, CAD says, reduce noise across a wider frequency range than the standard Ethernet transformers built into network equipment, together with the noise-absorbing materials used in the Ground Controls and USB Control. It reduces noise on the differential data pairs, on the signal ground and on the Ethernet interface of the device it is plugged into.
The gold-plated RJ45 plug is attached directly to the body, which CAD chose over a flying lead to keep impedance low, and the network cable goes into the socket on the other side. The usual place for it is where the Ethernet cable enters the audio system, at the streamer, server or network DAC; CAD and its customers also report good results at the switch or router, and two units at different points can give a further improvement. The acrylic case is hand-made and each unit is tested in the UK.
The Ethernet Control won hi-fi+ Best Network Filter of 2024, and reviews from The Ear, GY8 and Pursuit Perfect System in 2024 compared it directly against other Ethernet filters. Isabel Whitley of CAD reports that it is bought most often by dCS owners alongside the GC3.1 and USB Control, and it is the CAD product Pearl Audio would suggest first for any streaming front end.
| Type | Passive in-line Ethernet noise reduction device with galvanic isolation |
| Connections | RJ45 plug (to component) and RJ45 socket (from network) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 19 × 36 × 54 mm (0.7 × 1.4 × 2.1 in), excluding plug |
| Weight | 40 g (1.4 oz) |
| Power | None required |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Made in | United Kingdom |
The Ethernet Control treats the network connection; the USB Control treats spare USB ports and the Ground Controls treat the signal ground.
Two Ethernet Controls, one at the streamer and one at the switch, are a common configuration.
Plan your CAD system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized CAD dealer. Tell us how your streamer or server connects to the network and we will advise on placement, or arrange an audition in our Portland showroom. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
The CAD Ethernet Control is not in our rooms at present. When it is the right piece for a client we arrange a demonstration unit from the manufacturer and set it up for a private session.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
