HDCD ripping problem solved - sort of

[Dan H]

My DAC did not recognize files as HDCD that I had ripped using the HDCD DSP. Now that I have re-ripped without the HDCD DSP, my DAC recognizes files as HDCD. How's that for counter-intuitive?

The output flac's using the the HDCD DSP are 24-bit. The output flac's are 16-bit without the HDCD DSP.

I think the 16-bit files sound better because my DAC knows it needs to HDCD-process them, but the 16-bit files are louder which makes comparisons a little difficult. However it could be the case that CD ripper does the HDCD processing and encodes the results into the output file so they play enhanced in non-HDCD DAC's. Is that the case?

[Spoon]

Re: HDCD ripping problem solved - sort of

>However it could be the case that CD ripper does the HDCD processing and encodes the results into the output file so they play enhanced in non-HDCD DAC's. Is that the case?

Correct, also the volume of the dBpoweramp HDCD output will be lower so potentially run Replaygain on the file.

[Dan H]

Re: HDCD ripping problem solved - sort of

Spoon,

Does Replaygain mess with the bits in a way that alters the sound, other than making it louder?

[Spoon]

Re: HDCD ripping problem solved - sort of

Just louder.