HDCD is a great format with PLENTY of material out there. It costs the same as redbook but sounds SO MUCH better on any decent system that anyone can tell the difference immediately, even the uninitiated. HDCD just smokes out redbook & doesn't cost $25ea. like SACD's do. Don't let the naysayers talk you out of this; it's a real treat.
An external DAC with HDCD compatiblity is the only way that you can decode them w/playing on your Rega, but now you're needing another good AC cord & a good digital interconnect too, so the one-box approach makes sense IMO.
So what players? There are many avaliable; the Musical Fidelity suggestion above is a good one. Cary's are great if you have deeper pockets. Mark Levinson I *think* can decode HDCD? Myself I use an EAD (Enlightened Audio Designs) Ultradisc 2000 machine which sounds & looks beautiful. If fact I have two & am probably going to sell one; if you want a good deal then email me. Matty's Music Hall player is in the very affordable range, but I've never heard one. The Musical Fidelity NuVista 3DCD is hard to find & is fairly expensive, but may even outrun the Cary's to a critical ear.
An external DAC with HDCD compatiblity is the only way that you can decode them w/playing on your Rega, but now you're needing another good AC cord & a good digital interconnect too, so the one-box approach makes sense IMO.
So what players? There are many avaliable; the Musical Fidelity suggestion above is a good one. Cary's are great if you have deeper pockets. Mark Levinson I *think* can decode HDCD? Myself I use an EAD (Enlightened Audio Designs) Ultradisc 2000 machine which sounds & looks beautiful. If fact I have two & am probably going to sell one; if you want a good deal then email me. Matty's Music Hall player is in the very affordable range, but I've never heard one. The Musical Fidelity NuVista 3DCD is hard to find & is fairly expensive, but may even outrun the Cary's to a critical ear.