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HDCD 'best one box player' recommendations?

Seeking your recommendations for a high quality one-box CD player with HDCD decoding. Currently I have the EAD Ultradisk 2000 MKII which sounds great, albeit an older technology. I am considering upgrading to a player with newer DAC's & possibly upsampling; such as a Cary 303/300. Please suggest any other machines that I should audition? This is for an Accuphase separates rig, so high quality is definitely a priority. thanks for your input!
bob_bundus

Showing 2 responses by bigtee

bigtee
803 posts
 
There are older players that meet the HDCD requirements. Most newer ones don't. Several very good ones come to mind: Arcam FMJ23 or 23T and the CAL labs player of about 6 years ago with the power boss (Mk.II version)both used the PM100 chip which was very good.
Don't dismiss older technology too fast. Some of the older players are less hyped sounding and smoother with better transports. New technology may be TOO good for a flawed format.
bigtee
803 posts
 
THG, I was not refering to HDCD as flawed. I thought it was worth while although it will fool you because its levels are louder when processing. Something louder always sounds better. I was refering to CD's in general and it is a flawed format.
I use a $10,000 Wadia 861se and CD IS flawed. HDCD wasn't a bad idea. However, I don't know many new players that offer decoding and they're not many discs out there. It was no match for SACD though.
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