For me the reliable lack of surface noise was the standout feature, perhaps that is the same as the perceived clarity you mention but I also recently read that the usable dynamic range was much better, which matches my recollection of those first CDs. The soft passages could be much quieter which was not always a good thing for all people.
When CDs first came onto the market in 1982 .......
Everyone was "blown away" with the perceived clarity of sound.
I might be wrong (hence this post) but my recollection was the major difference between a CD and it's vinyl analog was merely volume.
CDs were mastered with an audio stream turned up to 1.2v (?) whereas all analog recordings (vinyl, tape etc.) had been mastered using an analog audio stream of 0.8v
Is this on the money or am I mistaken ... ??