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HDCD vs SACD vs DVD-audio summary?

70.51.146.136

Posted by mmg_fan on April 2, 2007 at 18:10:48

Hi
Can someone quickly summarize for me the main differences between HDCD, SACD, DVD-audio and standard CD?

As I understand it, HDCD is simply a way of encoding/extracting an extra 4bits of data in a standard 16bit CD, but to do so you need either a HDCD enabled CD drive OR use version 9/10 of the Windows media player(not the latest) which is able to decode the HDCD data. The extra HDCD data is also preserved if you rip to a lossless format such as Apple lossless or ...
And even if you've managed to extract the extra data, you need a 24 bit capable DAC to hear any improved sound.

For SACD's, you need a SACD equipped CD player to extract/playback the extra layer of data. This extra layer CANNOT be ripped digitally.
SACD's are essentially 24 bit cd's?

For DVD-audio, do I need a DVD-audio equipped player or will a DVD-capable reader (Imac) automatically access/read/rip ALL the data on a DVD-audio disc?

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