reading and decoding hdcd`s

Unsound wrote "Kr4, there are over 6000 HDCD's" (out of how many CDs there are, I wonder) and cannot dispute the statement. What I can say is that, aside from CDs from Reference Recordings and a few other audiophile labels that I have and enjoy, the HDCD lights never go on with 98% of the CDs I have. (98% is just an estimate.)

Effectively, for me, there are too few to justify buying something specifically for the HDCD function although it might be a component factor in a decision.

HDCD is a great format with PLENTY of material out there. It costs the same as redbook but sounds SO MUCH better on any decent system that anyone can tell the difference immediately, even the uninitiated. HDCD just smokes out redbook & doesn't cost $25ea. like SACD's do. Don't let the naysayers talk you out of this; it's a real treat.
An external DAC with HDCD compatiblity is the only way that you can decode them w/playing on your Rega, but now you're needing another good AC cord & a good digital interconnect too, so the one-box approach makes sense IMO.
So what players? There are many avaliable; the Musical Fidelity suggestion above is a good one. Cary's are great if you have deeper pockets. Mark Levinson I *think* can decode HDCD? Myself I use an EAD (Enlightened Audio Designs) Ultradisc 2000 machine which sounds & looks beautiful. If fact I have two & am probably going to sell one; if you want a good deal then email me. Matty's Music Hall player is in the very affordable range, but I've never heard one. The Musical Fidelity NuVista 3DCD is hard to find & is fairly expensive, but may even outrun the Cary's to a critical ear.

For a definitive list of all HDCDs, you may try www.hdcd.com which has them sorted by genre. Looks like there's way more than 6,000 out there. Strangely the country albums are almost always HDCD!

I have a NAD 5411, nothing special, but the when the HDCD lights up the difference is very tangible.

cheers