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If you haven't tried them, you need to...


It's only one person's opinion, but if your CD player has the capability to decode HDCDs and you're not taking advantage of it by buying HDCDs, then shame on you. HDCDs add a level of detail that red book CDs just don't have. And don't overlook CDs with SBM (Sony Bit Mapping); you can find them hiding in the store racks if you look. Also, JVCXRCDs are out of this world, taking the detail to a whole new level. They cost more, but I think they're well worth it. I have the Eagles' Hell Freezes Over, and it's great. If I come across any of my favorite groups in any of the above formats, I buy it, even if I already have it in my library. They're that much better. Don't know what trips your trigger, but I recommend you give a listen if you're not familiar with these formats.

If anyone has stumbled across something else out there that I should listen to, please let me know.
rockyboy
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Just been listening to Dolly Parton on SACD - Little Sparrow - where she does a wonderful version of "Shine" (Collective Soul) - Vocals are outstanding on this recording.

I agree on HDCD and XRCD too - the quality is usually outstanding. I've had quite a few HDCD's which weren't marked as such, or rather you had to look at the fine print to discover it, or watch the lights on the DAC light up.

Marco
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,286 posts
 
XRCD-- as close to analog these tympanics have ever heard in my rig. Have about 40 of these babies. Not a dud in the crowd...wonderful listening...

warren
hifimaniac
507 posts
 
Rockyboy, there are several CD's that have been remastered in HDCD and haven't been coded as such. I agree with you. There was a website; hdcd.com that at one time listed all the albums remastered in HDCD, but I haven't seen it up in a while. I think HDCD rivals SACD. Professor Johnson is brilliant! Too bad Microsoft bought out Pacific Microsonics, Johnson's company and raised the royalty fees to use HDCD coding. That is why so many manufacturers don't offer it anymore.
alpass
174 posts
 
hi guys
is it possible to list some of these gems,my system decodes HDCDs
thanks
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
xrcds are a waste of money. i have compared the xrcd to the orginal recording and have preferred the original recording each time.

xrcds generally attenuate bass and give the apparent perception of more detail. i will not buy these cds anymore.

as for hdcds, i find them easier to listen to they are more relaxed sounding with possibly a loss of detail.
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