The HD2 receives the HIGHLIGHT award in German printed magazine Stereoplay in the October 2011 issue. This was in a group review with DAC's ranging from 1100-1800 euro.
The HD2 was 350...

A new great review of the HD2 in online magazine GoodSound! from the United States. The HD2 is highly appreciated and receives the "Great Buy award".

"HEGEL HD2 is crushing the opponents!"

This is the header of Scandinavian magazine Lyd & Bilde (NO & SE) on a group test of D/A-Converters in February 2011. The most expensive competitors was 5 times the price of the Hegel HD2. And even here - quotes:

Bel Canto DAC 1,5:
"With the USB -input and RCA output I can't see that it is any better than the Hegel HD2 or Musical Fidelity"

Electrocompaniet PD-1:
"The Hegel HD2 is not far behind the Electrocompaniet. On USB it is actually better (and HD2 only has USB)"

HRT Music Streamer PRO:
"It does not match the sound of the significantly less expensive Hegel HD2"

Arcam rDAC:
"Anyway... It still has a long way to go to match the Hegel HD2. Especially in the bass, where the Arcam is slimmer"

Musical Fidelity vDAC:
"The Music sounds calmer, more restrained and open compared to the Arcam or HRT. But it does not quite reach the level of the Hegel HD2. Hegel has more ambience and space around the voices and instruments, as well as being quieter with a darker back drop."

Conclusion:
"Hegel HD2 is the best buy. We doubt that any better DAC's exist at this price."

Online version of the review will be available February 14th.

30 out of 30 points to HEGEL HD2

Hegel HD2 wins Best Buy award in the leading French magazine Haute Fidelité's February issue. Buy the magazine or download the review in March.