Though I don't have HDCD capable CD player, it seemed to me HDCD is not 'significantly better' than the CD by itself. I think the HDCD consciousness has been "died" from audiophile world for so long I don't even recall when the last time audiophile magazine
Stereophile mentioned anything significant on HDCD.
I think HDCD gets more publicity on the back of the 'cheap' pirated disc from mainland who tried to differentiate itself. In addition, I believe the pirated CD are closely tied with computer world so when Microsoft took over HDCD, it's then become better known among all computer geek which makes a cross into audiophile due partly to pirated ware connection, IMHO.
Forget about HDCD. HDCD may be more clear to persons who
pirated product but I believe it died a long time ago in the place where people are serious on the quality of music. So, if I'm a Thai music producer, I would rather focus on these things which should work out much better
1. A better mastered CD
2. A better production process
XRCD
3. or a high resolution format
SACD and DVD-A
