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

@sfcfran

 

XRCD is no successor nor has any relation, bearing, or comparison to HDCD. Both can be played on a redbook player, the HDCD chip to decode whatever HDCD was supposed to improve was just a minimal to nil upscaling flop generally by comparison.

XRCD is a totally different, FAR SUPERIOR, and patented detailed hi-rez INITIAL MASTERING and PRESSING PROCESS of the recording . HDCD was a rudimentary, clumsy and failed attempt on a very nominal ( if any ) attempt in upscaling a recording by way of a chip add-on.. . Think of HDCD as the fleeting flavour of the month back in the Jurassic era of CD digital before the advent of hi-rez mastering.

There is NO performance comparison to XRCD in its product manufacturing or its audio performance, and thus a reminder refrain from any conflation between the two.

Extended Resolution Compact Disc (XRCD) is a complete hi-rez full mastering and manufacture process patented by JVC (Victor Company of Japan, Ltd) for producing Red Book compact discs.

An XRCD is priced a LOT higher about as a regular full-priced CD. JVC attributes this to the higher cost of quality mastering and manufacturing. HINT: avoid ALL XRCD listings out of China including eBay ….most if not all units flogged out of China are cheaply produced, crap quality,  crap sounding,  inferior and illegal fakes . I got stung once … never again. Caveat emptor .., the real McCoy discs are great, the illegal fakes are shite,

Played on a high end cdp player, an XRCD will smoke any HDCD

…. not even close.

Blah blah blah "my Oppo 205" blah blah blah.

Please consider the possibility that the bottleneck isn't where you theorize it is. 

HDCDs smoke XRCDs played on my Sonic Frontiers SFCD1. Like I stated before, I guess it depends on your system, that's probably Why XRCD sound better on your system.

Second the Sonic Frontiers unit for HDCD playback. I recently purchased one with 2 levels of upgrades from the parts connexion. It is very very good.