When CDs first came onto the market in 1982 .......

Quad DSD CD's and the rigs to play them. That's what I am hoping gets to be ubiquitous and more affordable.

However CD density would have to go way up.

I think people were "blown away" by three things.  First, the lack of surface noise; second, the extended play time and not having to flip the record to the second side to hear a whole album; and third, doing away with the customary cleaning ritual needed before listening to music.   

Those seemed to be the primary advantages for CD at that time.  The simple utility of the media and ease of use were what convinced me to change from vinyl to CD.  I still have a Thorens TD 165 turntable in a box somewhere with a Stanton 990 cartridge on it.  Haven't seen it or used it for at least 35 years and don't care.

I got back into vinyl a couple of years ago, and I started with an inexpensive Project turntable. It sounded surprisingly good, except it had surface noise and a lot of static. I then upgraded to a Mofi Ultradeck and what a difference, no surface noise and a lot less static. Except for an occasional pop or tick, it is very quiet. It's like listening to a cd, but with that beautiful analogue sound. Needless to say, I am really enjoying it, but I still like my CDs and SACDs too. I think the Pink Floyd Analogue Productions SACDs are Fabulous.

I remember fighting it.  I remember seeing the CD's n the window of my LP store and convinced myself that was software, not music, and belonged in a computer shop - not a music store.  I went years ignoring the CD until a girlfriend bought me a Yamaha CD player and a CD (U2- Joshua Tree).  I had the album and remembered playing the CD and how it sounded like pure crap, and she loved it.  So I smiled and thanked her.  As much as I probably have a thousand CDs, I never really cared for the format.  It was born out of convenience, not sound quality.  My turntable blows away any digital I have ever heard.  Don't get me started on 15ips tape.