some of the cal dac units, sigma etc., can be upgraded for about $450. both the deck and dac can often be brought on the used market for 400/500. i like the rotel unit also and its an 'in the box' solution. most dealers will let you do a take home so risk to see if hdcd is for you would be low. look for an hdcd software title that is already in regular cd format you own. keep the variables to the player. use the same cables etc.
