2
High Definition Compatible Digital
®
(HDCD
®
)
(AVR 7000, FL 8550 & FL 8370)
HDCD overcomes the limitations of the CD.
When the original “Red Book” CD standard was developed, many musical purists and
some sound engineers felt that the 16-bit words and 44.1 kHz sampling rate was limiting the
integrity of the original recording session by losing some information. These limitations are
overcome in new, higher resolution formats such as DVD Audio and Super Audio Compact Disc
(SACD). However, these new technologies are still expensive and it will be a number of years
before they’ll be featured on a wide array of CD titles. In today’s marketplace, High Definition
Compatible Digital (HDCD) is the most recognized way to overcome the deficiencies of
standard CDs.
The benefits.
HDCD is a sophisticated 20-bit encode/decode process that captures and stores extra data on a
standard CD to deliver higher resolution. The digital master recording, with all of the ambience
and harmonics of the original recording session, is fed into a professional HDCD encoder, and
this CD-compatible data is carried through to the CDs you purchase.
Here’s where we get the benefits. When HDCD-encoded discs are played through the
AVR 7000 (via the coaxial or optical inputs) or on an FL 8550 or FL 8370, the HDCD decoder
reproduces all of the ambience, overtones and harmonics of the original recording session.
HDCD also delivers smoother, more natural-sounding vocals and instruments, while producing
a wider, more open soundstage.
In addition to unlocking the high-quality potential inherent in HDCD-encoded discs, the
HDCD digital filtering circuits in the AVR 7000, FL 8550 and FL 8370 provide an additional
margin of quality due to their superior performance. Thus, HDCD processors even improve the
sonic presentation of non-HDCD discs.
(For more information about HDCD, visit www.hdcd.com.)
CDR 2 Dual-Tray CD Recorder
What’s so special about 4x record speed?
Convenience. Harman Kardon has introduced the industry’s first 4x dub speed, dual-tray,
consumer CD audio recorder. Currently, all other dual-tray consumer CD audio recorders offer
2x record speed, meaning they are capable of recording a 60-minute disc in 30 minutes. The
Harman Kardon CDR 2 is the first dual-tray CD recorder to offer 4x dubbing speed, meaning
it’s capable of dubbing a 60-minute disc in just 15 minutes!
So it records fast, but does it sound good?
In the ongoing tradition of the FL Series CD changers, the CDR 2 reflects the same passion for
high-quality audio. In fact, the CDR 2 uses the latest, most advanced D/A (digital to analog)
and A/D (analog to digital) converters available from AKM (Asahi Kasei Microsystems). AKM,
a leading manufacturer of audiophile-grade DACs, has produced a 96kHz technology that
effectively meets the needs of today’s – and tomorrow’s – digital media. This design ensures
that playback and analog recordings (made from external sources) are as accurate and as pure
as the original recording.
What about analog and digital connections?
The CDR 2 is ready for whatever components you have in your system. Besides being equipped
with analog and digital optical and coaxial input connections on its rear panel, it conveniently
includes a coaxial digital input on its front panel for easy connections to portable digital
equipment. In addition, it includes optical, coaxial and analog outputs for interface with the
remaining components in your system. Overall, the CDR 2 offers a level of performance, user-
friendliness and connectibility that anyone can appreciate.
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