I use an external DAC (Musical Fidelity X-DAC/HDCD) for all my CDs. It is relatively inexpensive ($150-$200) here on audiogon, though seen only every few months. In my experience, HDCDs sound better, but they also sound better even WITHOUT a HDCD decoder. Perhaps it is because the engineers who want to use HDCD for a better sound also pay attention to other aspects of recording that contribute to better sound overall, even without HDCD. My suggestion is find an external DAC with HDCD and listen, enjoy and if you don't notice a difference, sell it. That's the joy of audiogon!
TJ
