First HDCD impressions

[andrzejpw]

Well, I got Brubeck's Timeout today. I haven't listened to it much only the first track(been listening/reading opera for dummies

)

When I first heard the cd, I was FLOORED. I don't know if its the cds that I listen to, but the sound stage was ENORMOUS. HUGE. BEASTLY. I kept on turning my head since I thought the cymbals were somewhere behind me!!! I turned so much I couldn't anymore.

I mean, OK Computer, imo, has a big soundstage. But I've NEVER heard something like this . . .


Edit: Oh yeah, Denon 370 > cmoy > HD580s

 

[Pepsione1]

Just out of curiosity, exactly how much better is HDCD over regular cds? I am interested in hearing your opinion, maybe even a review?

 

[chych]

This is based on other people's impressions, but from what I understand with the Denon 370 is that:

SACD <-here (reference)





Normal CD with better DAC <-here
HDCD <-here
Normal CD <-here

I just bought Time Out, waiting for it, I wonder what I will hear, hmm...

 

[dngl]

I'll second that. Playing the HDCD American Beauty on a 333ES still sounded better than on the 370... and the 370 was the one decoding the extra info.

Neither format really matters compared to SACD anyhow

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Of what I've heard, and can extrapolate:

SACD, high bit-rate PCM











decoded HDCD
regular CD
undecoded HDCD









watermarked DVD-A

 

[andrzejpw]

From what I've heard, my Denon has a GREAT DAC. Burr Browns.

I'll give a review of the HDCD when I listen to it for an extended period. Shouldn't it be:

SACD

HDCD with good DAC (ie: denon 370)
CD with good DAC
HDCD
CD?

 

[chych]

Yeah but putting a better DAC, say a MSB Link or ART DI/O, on a Denon, to some yields better results in undecoded HDCD than decoded HDCD without the external DACs... thats my point andrew.

 

[Old Pa]

My first impression of listening to a well recorded HDCD over a year ago was that it was a quantum leap forward. Now, after a year's critical listening, I would say my Denon 370 makes just about everything sound markedly better than its 1-bit Yamaha predecessor (which, in its day was HSS). Finally, I would suggest that the better the rest of your system is and works together, mains and tweaks, the more you will get out of HDCD or any other front end improvement. My basic electronics are now 16 years old and the speakers are over 20 (redrivered three years ago), but its a JOY to hear how the old girl sings.