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CD outputs and HDCD

Hello,

Question(s): In a CD player, such as the NAD C542, with analog and digital outputs, which is preferrable? Also, with HDCD capability, does this function work with either analog or digital out?

My initial thought is that if the CD player is a very good one, the D/A internally (using the analog out) may provide better sound than using the digital out and letting the amp/receiver do the D/A. However, I'm not sure if the HDCD precludes using one output or the other.

TIA,
CD
cdelplato

Showing 1 response by cdelplato

cdelplato OP
110 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. So, if I understand correctly, using a receiver or amp that does not have a HDCD decoder, to use HDCD you must use the analog outs of the CDP (which may sound better anyway based on the likely superior DAC in the CDP).

Also, I have read somwhere else before that the HDCD processing also improve the sound of non-HDCD discs. I'm not sure I understand why. If the HDCD recording and decoder are 20 (or more?) bits, how can the 20 bit HDCD decoder make a 16 bit disc sound better when the extra information is not there to process?

TIA,
CD
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