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Current Universal Players

Hey folks-  Does anyone know if there are any high end universal players being made anymore (i.e. EMM Labs, DCS, Esoteric, etc. etc)?  I know it's no longer in vogue but I would like to be able to play cd's, sacd's, dvd-a's and hdcd's.  I'm sure  that's asking a lot but there it is.  I've seen players that are 15-18 years old but I would like something a little bit newer.  Any thoughts?   Thanks. 

audiophileman
aldnorab
172 posts
 

Use Windows computer to rip the HDCDs to a hard drive. Iirc Microsoft bought the HDCD process. Music Bee decodes HDCD and rips to 24 bit. A HDCD capable DAC should play them.

Thanks,

aldnorab

2channel8
758 posts
 

I have an Oppo BDP-105 with EVS mods and an Ayre C-5xeMP. The Oppo decodes HDCD and has USB input, which I find invaluable.

I have nor compared them side by side except for red book CD and SACD. The Ayre MAY sound slightly mor pleasing on red book but I only have one CD in two copies. I prefer the Oppo in every other way. I should sell the Ayre.

drmuso's avatar
drmuso
107 posts
 

@audiophileman 

I love my Cambridge Audio CXU universal player, that's a few years old but no longer available.  It decodes HDCD.  They're probably hard to find, but I chose it over the pricier Oppo players.  The CXU also streams YouTube, which is very nice.

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