A lot of CD copies do sound better than the original CD. I think it has to do with error correction. Watch a CD spin in a top loader with a window. CDs are not perfectly balanced and will oscillate. I believe this can cause read errors. I think some burned CDR copies are easier to read and need less error correction. I am sure some CD players have more trouble than others.
CDR blanks made in Japan are the best. Taiyo Yuden are excellent. But not all Fuji are Taiyo Yuden. Look for made in Japan on the package. I know that a number of years ago, you could pick up 50 CD spindles of made in Japan Fuji for a few bucks just about everywhere. I think they may have been closing them out.
The Blanks made in China are the worst. Cheap blanks can deteriorate over time and become unreadable. Heat and sun light can also coause deterioration.
Software, speed and type of burner can also have an affect. I still have a Plextor Premium CD only burner in my compuer.
This is all basic stuff that every old Grateful Dead fan knows.