I do something similar.
I always rip bit-for-bit what’s on the CD.
For HDCDs, I use foobar to tell me if there’s peak extension. If so, I use foobar to create a copy with HDCD decoded. (My understanding, and I may be wrong, is there’s no point to decode if there’s no peak extension).
I keep both versions. The decoded version goes to my Roon library.
So I’m good too. However, I’m leary of the open source HDCD decoding. I’d trust a Roon implementation more.
With DBPA, I like to decode even if there is no peak extension. The gain difference can have positive results in my system, so I alway like to have the option.
This would be useful as well as de-emphasis. Given that MQA core decoding is in a way a “by track” DSP, maybe this is not far-fetched.
PS: Actually, I take that back - MQA is not track based, it is endpoint based. The fact that the decoding happens only for MQA tracks is a different matter altogether. I always wondered if every track gets routed through the MQA decoder, not just tracks that are identified as MQA. So maybe HDCD is not an option in the current Roon architecture.
Are there any fresh takes on this? I still see a use for HDCD-decoding (by choice).
I do realise there are small gains and a small audience but, nugs… 