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HDCD vs the Newer SHM-CD, BluSpec, UHQCD, etc

Has anyone directly compared the early 1990s 20 bit HDCD format to todays 16 bit SHM, BluSpec, UHQCD, etc, improvements of Redbook?

I’ve been very happy with the audio quality improvements I’ve heard on the recent generations of CD improvements, via improved surface materials, internal materials and cutting/forming of the reflective mirrors which the laser reads. I’ve tried them all (I think? lol), but have been particularly disappointed with HDCD, an early ’90s format. Theoretically HDCD should be better, despite lacking the improved materials and manufacturing techniques of today’s SHM and similar CDs. Then I realized my Oppo 205 doesn’t decode HDCD, and I’ve only been listening to the standard Redbook 16 bit signal of the HDCDs I’ve bought (5 over the past few years).

Looking around I’ve noticed that there is a vast array of music titles available on the used HDCD market. So I’m wondering if I should get a second disc spinner from the used market just for HDCD’s, with the intent of dipping into the array of music in that format.

I’d greatly appreciate anyone’s thoughts, who has compared these source materials, before I just go out and spring for an HDCD player to find out if it’s worth it to buy more HDCD discs, rather than just stick with the improved 16 Bit formulas available today. With that, yes, I also have a decent library of DVD-A, SACD & Hybrid SACD... but that field is limited, and generally pricy. Thanks!

sfcfran
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,549 posts
 

I hear better audio with most of my Japanese SHM, blue spec, hqcd, etc

  now that I’m older , I try to get Japanese CDs if released. 
 

most u.s. made CDs and records are tripe. 
 

I have the Anthem S/T from I think mid late 80’s, has lasted me 30+ years, 

still has more depth and sounds better then subsequent lps, and remastered cd versions. 
 

  

tomcarr
1,468 posts
 

My Oppo 103 plays HDCDs. None of them sound any better than my red-book CDs. I wouldn't suggest buying another player just to be able to play HDCDs.

I wish I had a 205. I know it sounds better than my 103.

 

erik_squires
15,712 posts
 

Keep in mind that a lot of CD's that may trigger the HDCD flag were not intentionally HDCD. 

Personally I used software to identify and decode all of my HDCD disks to 24 bit FLAC.

Honestly I think that modern DAC's are so much better at decoding 44.1/16 bit Redbook files that HDCD and even MQA become non-issues.

tomcarr
1,468 posts
 

+1 @erik_squires 

robert53
407 posts
 

I have a Sonic Frontiers SFCD1 player that has the HDCD chip. The HDCDs sound fantastic. I bought an Oppo 105D player and that had the HDCD chip. The HDCDs sounded good and then I purchased an Oppo 205 ( I was on the list and they notified me that I could purchase one ) . I sold the 105 because I wanted one of the latest, last ones made and didn't want to keep both. Well, as you know, no HDCD chip and no HDCD decoding. The 205 does sound slightly better than the 105, but has less features ( no chip, no Gracenote, and no streaming apps ). I still have my SF player, which sounded the best with HDCDs, so I can still listen to HDCDs on that.

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