Anyone have an opinion on Audio Research DAC-2 ?

Great DAC to have.I would expect one at around 900$-1200$.I am happy with my DAC-3 tubed d/a,which is one model up.Check www.arcdb.ws for pics,specs.
Happy listening
George

I owned the ARC DAC-2 and thought it was excellent. It is not the last word in resolution but musical enough to make you forget about it.

It shines on female vocals which is (in my opinion) a tough frequency to get right.

I have the DAC2 and it is a real pleasure to listen to.

I've tried it with three different transports: Sony CD Player, XA7; Linn Ikemi CD Plahyer and Wadia transport. It sounds great with all three--a testament to its neutrality and transparency. It sounded better than the built DAC of the XA7 and the Ikemi.

The Sony needed some power conditioning; the Linn needed none and with the ARC DAC2 was acoustic heaven; finally, the Wadia and the DAC2 was my favorite--for some, maybe a bit too neutral.

With the right power cord, I use Transparent, Rock & Roll has the energy of Rock & Roll and orchestras sound pretty grand also--perhaps as Albertporter notes above, a bit more resolution for really "congested" music might help.

I wonder if the DAC3 folks have had better luck there?

At under $750, the DAC2 is a steal.