After Audio Horizons designed the DAC-2, we commissioned a handful of ultra high end reviewers—all with ultra-high performance systems and DAC’s (Wadia, Mark Levinson, Chord, Kora, Electrocompaniet)—to review the DAC and help us do the final tweaking.  The result: We think it’s the best DAC you can buy for under $2000, and it’s just a little over half the price. . And the DAC-2a is even better and still less than two-thirds that price.

But don’t take our word for it.  Listen to what these Audiogon reviewers have to say (their Audiogon name precedes their comments).

“The bass was relatively clean and tight, the mid range clear, and highs were good without sounding hard.  The unit projected excellent dynamics between soft and loud volume passages. Very good imaging was easily achieved.  Vocals had good separation and were very clear.  The unit threw a wide soundstage just outside the speakers, with soundstage depth very good.

“Mid range details were very good, and bass was tuneful and dynamic.  High frequencies were good and extended.  Individual notes did not smear together. . . . Weight of piano notes and vocals was very good to excellent.  Bass had nice definition, slam and weight.  Upper frequencies were extended with very good detail.

‘The unit was very natural sounding especially in the mid range.  Bass notes were full sounding.  Acoustic guitar sounded very natural and real.

“The AH DAC did not compete with the Wadia 27ix Digital Processor and 270  transport  nor did I expect it to.  It was very clear and dynamic sounding with a very good mid range. . . . Overall AH DAC was a step behind the Wadia but would be considered an excellent dollar value. Compared to the other DAC's I listened to for comparison (Electrocompaniet, Chord 64, and Kora ) I think it easily beat the Kora in just about every way! I think it held its own against the Chord very well considering the Chord lists for $3100.00. I did prefer the Electrocompaniet overall of the 4 (AH, Kora, Chord, Electrocompaniet).

“The AH DAC performed flawlessly for the time that I had it. I was overall very impressed !!”

Bigkidz writes:

“The unit was dead quiet in my system.  There was never any buzzing, humming or hissing coming from the DAC or my system.  The sound was slightly forward but no way in your face, more 10^th- 15^th rows.  Mid range had a slightly sweeter texture for a SS unit.  Bass response was excellent and the upper frequencies were extended and never hard sounding.

“The unit projected a slightly forward mid range versus the other frequencies.  The bass was clean, clear and tight, the mid range clear that was slightly sweeter overall (not tube sweet), and highs were very good without sounding hard.  The unit projected excellent dynamics between soft and loud volume passages.  Bass was fast and tight.

“Very good imaging was easily achieved.  Vocals were always very clear and held their own space.  The unit threw a wide soundstage just outside the speakers, with soundstage depth very good versus the other DACs.  Mid range details were excellent, and bass was very good.  High frequencies were good, not soft or hard sounding.  Individual notes were clear, detailed and well defined as well as backing vocals.

“Vocals were the strong point of this unit, which produced very clear and detailed front and backing vocals.

“Weight of piano notes was good to very good.  Bass had nice definition, slam and weight.  Upper frequencies were extended with very good detail. The unit was very natural sounding especially in the mid range. 

“The AH DAC compared favorably to the other DACs that I have had in my system.  It was very clear and dynamic sounding with a very good mid range. . . . Overall unless you have a mega buck system, the AH DAC held its own and would be considered an excellent dollar value.

“The AH DAC worked flawlessly for the several months I had it in my system.  During that time the unit remained on constantly.

“In the under $2K price range, the unit is a must audition for anyone who has a CDP with the option to add a DAC.  I would imagine that most CDPs in and under the $3.5K retail price could benefit from the addition of the AH DAC.”

The two remarks that pleased us most were these overall conclusions: 
“Overall AH DAC was a step behind the Wadia but would be considered an excellent dollar value.”  

“Overall unless you have a mega buck system, the AH DAC held its own and would be considered an excellent dollar value. . . . the unit is a must audition for anyone who has a CDP with the option to add a DAC.”

But don’t take our word or our reviewer’s word for how good it is.  Judge for yourself.  If you’re seriously interested in finding out what a superb high performance DAC can do for your sound system and want to audition the Audio Horizons DAC-2 in your own home on your own sound system,  please contact us and ask about the Audio Horizons Listening Program.  It’s free, and open to all serious potential buyers.  In other words, you don’t have to buy the DAC and go through the hassle of getting a refund.