Hi,
Some of the current H/K A/V receivers have built-in HDCD decoders. In my tests of HDCD, there is an increase in dynamic range over non-HDCD playback. I would argue that HDCD in some ways is less accurate, because it depends on a certain degree of dynamic range expansion with correct decoding. My point is that the dynamic range of conventional CDs already permits accurate reproduction of real-life dynamic range. Indeed, it's often too great for home playback as the usual assortment of household noises (refrigerator hum, furnace fans, AC fans, etc.) will obsure the quitetest portions of music. If you turn it up to compensate, then the loudest portions are too loud. Anyone who listens to CDs of jazz or classical in a good car system is very familiar with this phenomenon. The quiet portions become buried in road noise.
However, if you have a really quiet listening room in the middle of the woods, you will hear a difference with an HDCD recording properly decoded.
Regards,
