24 bit CD Audio?

[shutDOWN]

Can Winamp 2.91 decode 24 bit audio cds? Like HDCD's.
I know that MS WMP 9 can, but I'm sick of the bloat.

[bmezenga]

I think that when "digital audio extraction" is enabled, the audio is processed by Waveform decoder (in_wave.dll).

If I´m right, 24bit audio cds will work because in_wave supports 8/16/24/32 bits.

[bmezenga]

I did some research and came to new conclusion.
HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) encoded CD´s have two major aspects:

1) When mastering, it fits a 20-bit dynamic range into a 16-bit signal adding dither and dynamic decimation so reduced distortion becomes part of the 16bit signal and will be heard on any player (even without HDCD decoding).

2) The additional 4 bits have HDCD info that is only decoded on HDCD compatible hardware. HDCD info, among several things:
2a) adjust playback filters to match those used in recording.
2b) has complementary amplitude decoding to restore the dynamics of the original signal ("peak extend" at the high end of the dynamic range and "low level range extend" for quiet signals)

That said, HDCD has 20bit and not 24.
As HDCD is completely compatible with the existing CD format, it will be transparent to winamp.

To enable wa to decode HDCD info, I think we will have to wait sound cards compatible with HDCD (adjustable playback filters).

Edit: Maybe the adjustable playback filters can be programable through sound card DSPs.