If a HDCD CD is ripped to WAV does it become 16bit 44.1kHz
Posted by: Consciousmess on 31 May 2012
Could anyone help me out with the above question?
Cheers
Jon
Jon
Yes it rips to a 16bit 44.1kHz files as this is what it is on the CD. If it's HDCD encoded it can then be decoded with dBPoweramp's HDCD codec which then, if I remember correctly, gives you a 24bit 44.1kHz file of which only 20Bits are used.
You're quite correct Jon. It's worth doing the HDCD encode with dBPowerAmp. It does make an audible difference. I have some Joni Mitchell and Grateful Dead HDCD encoded albums on my DAC. My CDSII is capable of playing the HDCD discs but it's name to have them playing through the DAC.
+1 creating 20bit (24 bit) 44.1 kHz HDCD rips using dbpoweramp. It really does make a worthwhile difference. I have several HDCD jazz albums that once ripped sound sublime. One or two I have the non HDCD variants, and the tracks can sound a little lifeless by comparison.
Simon
Mmm, that's interesting, didn't know that could be done to get the HDCD layer off the disc. I think I'm right in saying that the Naim server/rippers will only rip the standard cd layer of the disc when ripping HDCD? (ie: using the 16 bit layer).
Mmm, that's interesting, didn't know that could be done to get the HDCD layer off the disc. I think I'm right in saying that the Naim server/rippers will only rip the standard cd layer of the disc when ripping HDCD? (ie: using the 16 bit layer).
There isn't a layer as such as the HDCD information is carried in the 16/44.1 bitstream. A CDX2 has a decoder in the DAC that can recognise the bitstream and decode it effectively as a higher resolution stream. dBpoweramp can do this decode for you on any 16/44.1 bitstream that has the relevant HDCD bits so you can then feed the higher quality stream through your DAC.
If the Naim DAC had a decoder in it then rips of HDCD could play in high res just like on the CDX2 etc., but it hasn't so they can't ... dBPA is the answer, but unfortunately does yet run on a Mac or Linux so I have to get a friend to rip 'em. dBPA runs on a Mac with CrossOver until I put a CD in the drive and then it can't recognise it .... shame because if there was a way to run dBPA without any need to pay a licence to that Windows lot then I certainly would.
There isn't a layer as such as the HDCD information is carried in the 16/44.1 bitstream. A CDX2 has a decoder in the DAC that can recognise the bitstream and decode it effectively as a higher resolution stream. dBpoweramp can do this decode for you on any 16/44.1 bitstream that has the relevant HDCD bits so you can then feed the higher quality stream through your DAC.
Ok, thanks Roo, didn't know that either!
All a bit beyond me I'm afraid, that's why I have the HDX as it does everything for me with ease!
HDX doesn't rip HDCDs to 20 bit though ....
HDX doesn't rip HDCDs to 20 bit though ....
I'd ask a neighbor with dbPA. 
HDX doesn't rip HDCDs to 20 bit though ....
No, I know, guess I'll just have to live with 4 fewer bits! Got to be honest though, yet to be that impressed with high res stuff I have bought, not finding much benefit beyond a decent 16 bit recording. A difference maybe, but those few samples I've tried were not really worth paying the higher premium for.