[greggf]

Other than a Rotel (1070?), are there any other HDCD-compatible compact disc players still available on the (new) market?

I've always found that HDCD-encoded Redbook discs, played back on CDPs that decode HDCD, sound better. My current cdp does not do HDCD, and my favorite HDCD-encoded discs - Brubeck's "Take Five", Knopfler's "Local Hero" - sound flat, so I'm thinking about maybe getting the Rotel or other.

By the way, how is the Rotel in general? Isn't it their only current purist (straight) CD player? Would it be worth stocking up on them (buying two?) if you enjoy HDCD?? Or is that anal?.................

 

[greggf]

Rotel RCD-1072

I just discovered that this is the current Rotel cdp that decodes HDCD.

Any thoughts on it would be appreciated. I note that it was product of the year in 2003 - which makes it pretty long in the tooth, eh?

 

[Asr]

NAD C542, but that'd be a downgrade.

 

[silverrain]

Denon W1500 CD double-tray recorder records and plays very good HDCD.

 

[Cankin]

NAD M5
Naim CDX2
Linn Majik CD

 

[epaludo]

I think the NAD C542 would be one of the cheapest solution, right ... ?

 

[HiWire]

Yes, but it might be a step down, HDCD regardless. I'm looking at the NAD's new M5 for its combination of HDCD and SACD decoding - I'll be auditioning it against Arcam's CD192 sometime this fall.

 

[robm321]

My Modwright Denon 3910 plays SACD, DVD-A, Redbook, upsamples (I think), and HDCD, etc.

 

[velogreg]

There is the Onix xcd88 and for a cheaper "dual use" option to the excellent Modwright or SACD modded Denons you could try the Oppo 981 HD. The Oppos RB playback is not so hot but the other versions are pretty good and the video is excellent should you ever decide to go the dual use route. The Oppo needs a decent amp though to pull out the best of the playback available.

 

[epaludo]

Make sure to post your impressions to us. Better yet if you can compare them. The more info we get, the better ...

 

[NMyTree]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cankin /img/forum/go_quote.gif NAD M5 Naim CDX2 Linn Majik CD

Are those players Lo-Fi, Mid-Fi, Hi-Fi or My CDP Has A Bigger Penis, Than Your CDP-Fi ??

 

[Mister Crash]

The Eastern Electric Minimax CD player is HDCD-compatible, and has a nice headphone jack to boot.

 

[greggf]

I'm considering "downgrading" from an Arcam FMJ CD33 to a Rotel RCD-1072.

Would that reflect badly upon me? Would I become an outcast here?

Social groups and forums are amazing places, aren't they? They make you feel bad if you go from an Accord to a Civic, even if the Civic suits you better and is a more intelligent buy......................

 

[Cankin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMyTree /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are those players Lo-Fi, Mid-Fi, Hi-Fi or My CDP Has A Bigger Penis, Than Your CDP-Fi ??

Depends on your reference point

 

[roastpuff]

I love the Oppo's for their universal decoding features. You can really toss any audio format at them and they'll take it happily.

I run the 980HD, and used to have a 970HD!