reading and decoding hdcd`s

I wouldn't bother. There are too few HDCDs to justify the expense as far as I am concerned.

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

Kr4, there are over 6000 HDCD's.

I have a HDCD CDP, Music Hall, and love the HDCD playback. Besides a one-box, you could go the route of a DAC, such as MSB (under $500). They offer a self-install card, I think around $200. If you were going to stay at the level of a Planet though, and not upgrade, I think cost wise a one-box would make the best sense unless you could get a MF X-DAC w/HDCD for the minimal cost noted above.

Matty

How can you tell if a CD is an HDCD? For example, I looked at the list on the microsoft website and the new Dixie Chicks "Home" CD is supposed to be an HDCD recording. When I got it home, the HDCD indicator on my dac (Parasound DAC2000) did not light up. There was also nothing on the CD that said it was an HDCD. I own over 200 CD's and none are on the Pacific Micro (Microsoft) website! How can you tell if a CD is an HDCD if they aren't going to put the symbol on the jewel case?