HDCD 'best one box player' recommendations?

The only CDP and DACs I know of that don't just use the "standard" HDCD decoding chip are the the Levinsons, which use a proprietary chip made just for them. The 390S is I believe their latest stand alone player.

Otherwise, the proprietary software in the newer Wadia CDPs and DACs reputedly do a better job than the Pacific Microsonics licensed chip (except there's no HDCD indicator when you play one.)

I love the HDCD reproduction even through my older (1000) Wadia DAC, and can now tell when an unmarked (on the album) HDCD disc is playing.

And with Keith Johnson having just ressurected Reference Recordings (www.referencerecordings.com), the new discs he's producing (@ $16.50 apiece!) are a real buy!

I have an EAD Signature processor and am very familiar with the warm intimate textured sound of your EAD with HDCD, but I bought a Theta Compli Universal player which is really amazing in the same ways as your EAD is but is definitely better. The Accuphase cd player is another good recommendation but might be too much of a good thing (a little syrupy). If you like the EAD sound you won't care for the ultra detailed thin Levinson sound.. the Wadia is more delicate and detailed (I've owned Wadia also and like but some of the newer stuff is better on the market)

There are older players that meet the HDCD requirements. Most newer ones don't. Several very good ones come to mind: Arcam FMJ23 or 23T and the CAL labs player of about 6 years ago with the power boss (Mk.II version)both used the PM100 chip which was very good.
Don't dismiss older technology too fast. Some of the older players are less hyped sounding and smoother with better transports. New technology may be TOO good for a flawed format.

Bigtee, from what I hear of HDCDs on an Exemplar 5910, I hardly believe it is a "flawed format." Since my first experience with the Lindemann 680D, I have been amazed at the benefits of HDCD.

It is too bad that MicroSoft bought this technology and has decided to abandon it in their quest to keep up with Apple.