IMO, the quality of digital sound is totally dependent on how it was recorded & mixed.

I have a ton of CDs from their inception in the early 80s to the present. There was a long period where the mixing was often poor giving sound was horribly flat with no dynamic range. This is a shame since the CD format can do that so well.

I have a bunch of older CDs that sound like crap - cassette quality? I don't play them anymore; however, digital recordings that are mixed properly & with proper care are often stunningly good - lots of dynamic range, great sound stage & noiseless. For example, try any of Clapton's productions from the past decade - all are recorded & mixed properly & with care. Absolutely wonderful sound...

TAM