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HDCD fans out there?

I've been reading all the discussions about SACD vs CD vs all other digital forms and it is interesting. I do see a few who mention HDCD, which I really enjoy. For the most part, I find them to be closest to vinyl, at least in my system. They are a fairly recent discovery for me but I do enjoy them. I've purchased some old Denon players and a Cambridge Audio unit to be able to read them properly. I think the Denons do the best job among the compatible units that I have. Maybe the difference between Burr Brown 24 bit and Cirrus Logic 24 bit. I know there is more to it than that but that's the simple thought process of it. 

Not all HDCD's are created equal and some are better than others. The same is true of redbook CD, with some of them seeming to be much better than others. I don't know why exactly, other than maybe a better system making the master or a better engineer etc. I just listen and evaluate for myself. I have found some HDCD's that are not labeled as such. Decca label, I think. Any idea why that would be? I also have one or two redbook Cd's that have at least one track of HDCD on them. You'd never know it if you didn't have HDCD capable pleyer. It is a very noticeable difference when you get to it. Just kind of odd and interesting. Anyone else a fan of this obscure format? I enjoy them a lot. 

billpete
newton_john's avatar
newton_john
604 posts
 

@billpete 

I see that many or maybe most are now doing rips etc. I don't even fully understand what that is but I guess it is the way of the future...........and the present to some extent. Does anyone feel any loss of content in these rips? 

No loss, as far as I am concerned. That's an advantage of digital - it doesnt degrade in the same way as analogue. Nevertheless, I can see why many prefer the simplicity of using a CD player. 

I don't feel the need for multi-channel music listening. I know many who love it. I'm happy for you. Enjoy as you wish and I do the same. 

I tried it and did love it in many cases. However, it convinced me stereo has all the immersiveness that I need for massively more albums.

mksun
871 posts
 

I used to love my HDCDs back when my primary CD player was a Rotel Changer from the early 2000s. This changer had HDCD playback capability and I still have numerous HDCD titles which include Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, the Grateful Dead, and Roxy Music. I found the HDCDs to be way superior to standard Redbook CDs when played on the Rotel, but not as good as SACDs. I have since replaced the Rotel with a CD transport and standalone DAC which is way superior for standard Redbook CD playback. 

jafant's avatar
jafant
21,715 posts
 

billpete

My pleasure. Rock On!

 

Happy Listening!

mrdecibel
3,315 posts
 

@billpete I own a few d/a converters that do HDCD, and a good number of discs. They do sound nice. I have had many transports, and they all have properly read the HDCD layer. Having owned AR9s in my past, I always passively, vertically bi-amped them. Ever try this configuration? I generally prefer this set up with most speakers, requiring you to have the same amps doing the job, which you have. My best, MrD.

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