I started early with HDCD and I currently have over 100 titles and I have owned a few HDCD DACS over the years. The HDCD decoder automatically adds 6+ db when it detects the HDCD data stream. This automatic function is in the digital domain. The one exception that I know of is the Mark Levinson 300 series DACS from the Madrigal years that when paired with a ML matching 300 series preamp & transport will preform the 6+ in the preamp keeping everything in the analog domain. I used to own the ML 300 series transport, DAC,& Preamp and the feature was great. I, also, have a Proceed AVP2 which supports HDCD too and it automatically does the 6+db boost but I can’t remember if it’s in the analog or digital domain.
Why do my HDCDs play lower on my HDCD machine?
I own two Arcam FMJ CD/DVD players.
My CD catalog includes many CDs that are HDCD coded which include artists such as The Grateful Dead, Mark Knopfler and Neil Young. I also own several HDCDs from the Audio Fidelity label.
My Arcam C36 is a CD player only with no HDCD capability.
My Arcam DV139 is a universal machine with HDCD capability.
My HDCDs play lower on my DV139 than they do on my C36.
Is there something wrong with either of my machines or are HDCDs expected to play lower on HDCD capable machines?
Or, is this the design of the Arcam machines?
My CD catalog includes many CDs that are HDCD coded which include artists such as The Grateful Dead, Mark Knopfler and Neil Young. I also own several HDCDs from the Audio Fidelity label.
My Arcam C36 is a CD player only with no HDCD capability.
My Arcam DV139 is a universal machine with HDCD capability.
My HDCDs play lower on my DV139 than they do on my C36.
Is there something wrong with either of my machines or are HDCDs expected to play lower on HDCD capable machines?
Or, is this the design of the Arcam machines?