Bob-bundus and Jeffcott bring up very good points. HDCD is slightly better than CD, but there are about 6000 HDCD titles (some have don't have the HDCD logo) and with Microsoft behind HDCD I think it's safe to say more will be comming. As for the SACD vs. DVDA a few new universal players might be on the market before years end.
CD v. SACD
I was planning on buying a new CD player (Rega Jupiter 2000), when I read a few reveiws of the Sony SCD-XA777ES, which used, I could buy for about the same amount as the Rega new. I currently have an extensive CD collection, but no SACDs. My question is whether I should just go ahead and buy the Sony, or whether a dedicated CD player, like the Rega (or others at its price point) are significantly better in their CD playback. Thanks. Tom