Almost all of your questions seem to have been answered except, maybe, which SACD machines are HDCD-equipped when in their CD playback mode. The Sony's are not but the Classe Omega is, and I understand that the Lindemann D-680 is also.
HDCD Question....
Are HDCDs compatable with conventional players? And what players are HDCD compatable...I assume SOny SACD players are not...am I right? Also...how does HDCD differ from SACD?