HDCD To MacMini To Ayre QB9 Twenty DAC

 That’s a relief. I remember when I first downloaded a DSD file to my hard drive. That was a learning experience and then Audirvana hosted my DSD files. However, I don’t believe Audirvana will transport HDCD.

Hi toddraymond,

I ended up buying a Bryston BDP Pi and since using it, I have noticed my Ayre DAC on the HDCD setting. The Bryston is a considerable improvement over the MacMini and the Bryston/Ayre Twenty combination is like a dream.

Unfortunately, I'm not getting any playing time in as my amplifier has been with the technician these past three or so months.

All-right, well that just proves how out of touch I am. The early Joni Mitchell HDCD's interest me. Recently, I purchased a Japanese paper sleeve of Nick Drake's 'Pink Moon' and was taken by how open and analogue it sounds for a cd. I spoke with my friend who works at the local record store about Japanese paper sleeve releases and was told that it's always a risk to pay up for them unless you know for sure that they are exceptional. However many are no better than your average red book release. Anyone got any ideas on this topic?

toddraymond,
My amp was repaired and now I’m back up and running. Yes, as reported earlier with the Bryston BDP Pi, I’m seeing the h44 reading in the display which indicates that my Ayre is reading the HDCD file.

80s_forever,
thank you for the advice!