Why HDCD did not become a dominant format?

The major players could not agree on this format. DVD-A and SACD formats were under development. Pacific Mircosonics was a tech company, not a marketing company. The majors development of the high end audio formats was interupted by Apple's introduction of the Ipod, downloading of music, and a generation that values convenience over the quality of the sound. Hopefully, technology will catch up and give us both convenience and sound quality...until then...I will remain committed to spinning vinyl. By the way, have you ever listened to JVCs XRCDs? Vastly superior to standard CDs...nearly equal to the new formats in quality...and gone from the U.S. market due to high costs and flagging sales.

You want a great player which is HDCD capable and supported by a superior aftermarket tech service? Find yourself an EAD 2000. It is built like a tank, musical as all get out, and can be had for around $800 on Audiogon. I own the EAD 2000 as well as the Naim CDX...while the Naim may be a bit more resolving, the EAD is the player that I listen to day in and day out, and the one piece of equipment that I would never sell. It does HDCD right.

By the way, there was a great point made about Licensing. Pacific Mirosonics believed at one point that they would be in the drivers seat...but companies like SONY are not big on paying licensing fees to small companies when they can find ways to create their own proprietary technology...marvels like DBX. Once Microsoft had the rights, nothing was going to stop Gates (who owns 30% of Apple) from supporting the Ipod movement.

Psacanli,

Appreciate your being conservative regarding repairs. However, EAD equipment is supported by Noble Electronics, which is a tech group composed of the engineers that pioneered the EAD products. Not only can they repair EAD products, they can update them...and they have an inventory of parts...and they are very fair with their pricing. They can literally build you a new unit. Now the best part is that the EAD stuff is built to withstand a meteor strike, so it will still be playing long after the Accuphase dinosaurs are extinct. If you have an opportunity, check Noble on the internet and it may give you a better sense of security.

Best.
Mcpody