Is HDCD much Better?

[Woochifer]

First, I do have an example of a regular CD compared to an HDCD.....actually two. The first is the regular CD of Radiohead's HAIL TO THE THEIF vs. the HDCD version released in Japan. There is a definite difference, similar to the difference between the reg. version of CD's compared to the Gold editions that were issued by Mobile Fidelity or DCC. I can name hundreds of examples of those. I also have a HDCD of Queen's Greatest hits that sounds better than the regular CD, but does not sound better than the DVD-audio of the tracks that are on both. I am not comparing apples to oranges, but rather red delicious apples to not-so-great apples. That's a fact. My ears hear a difference as do all the people that I have played for over the years.

But, again they were not identically prepared, now were they? If that HDCD version of that Radiohead disc sounds that much better, fine. But, unless you know that the standard CD was prepared under otherwise identical conditions (i.e. same settings, levels, master source, and studio playback equipment), any number of other unknown factors outside of the HDCD encoding could just as easily explain what you're hearing. Try again.

I can tell you that Mobile Fidelity's mastering rig makes a noticeable difference on their hybrid discs compared to other transfers (including Classic Records' 96/24 PCM transfers) because the CD and SACD layers sound more similar to each other than they do to other versions. This simply affirms the presence of other factors that can create differences in how something sounds.

Again, you lack the means by which to make any kind of definitive conclusion about whether the format itself is the causal factor. No reason to get all testy just because someone points out the obvious. I'm not telling you that there are no differences between different disc versions, simply that you can't conclude that HDCD is the causal factor.

I am not concerned with proving anything to you though because I know what it sounds like here and that's all that matters. You can believe whatever you wish and don't even get me started about your system or my system. The original question opened up on this thread was....Do HDCD's make a difference? I gave my opinion based on what I own and what I have heard....your opinion in this is a joke since you have no reference like others do on the matter. You just like to get involved in business that doesn't even belong in your direction considering you have no reference point. However, you also feel that everyone is entitled to your opinion and think that you are right about anything and everything....wrong again. I make comments sometimes in more of a joking manner, like many do on this site, which apparently go over your head. I said that people have 'no ears' in a joking way that means that they can't hear the difference because they have poor hearing. As people get older your hearing is diminished ...and you are older than I am my friend.... I would easily challenge you to a hearing test anytime anywhere!

If my opinion is a joke, then I don't know what to make of yours, since you lack the necessary reference as well.

Joking manner? Mmmm hmmm, that would explain the combativeness and defensive posturing whenever I point out problems with your generalities. Oh right, you were just joking when you said that people who disagree with you have "no ears." Glad to know that you've clarified yourself -- that's right, people who disagree with you simply have poor hearing! THANK YOU!

And all this inneuendo about my system and my hearing, what does that have to do with anything that I've written or corrected you on? I thought so, just bunch of hot air in the absence of substance.

And one more thing...your DVD collection is a joke and not even worth posting on here with the laughable 'neverending' phrase.

OH! That hurts! You're calling my DVD collection a joke! That's just ssssoooooooo wrong!

Is that the best you got, or are you committed to going off-topic just to avoid having to answer for all the B.S. that you're getting called out on? I mean if you're going to resort to personal attacks, at least come up with something original that hasn't already been tried on any number of other threads on this board over the years.

[musicman1999]

Super
Just one question.What player do you use for hdcd playback?

bill