Why do records made from digital sources sound good?

Atmasphere,

Thank you.  That makes sense to me.  I always knew that mastering engineers are wizards!  Great insight and much appreciated.  I had given up hope.

Bill

I believe that people who dis vinyl playback simply have not heard a really good system within a context that they are familiar with.  Likewise people who dis all things digital are equally flying blind.  The fact is that the differences are converging and either can be the winner in any given comparison.  A lot comes down to the mastering engineer apparently.  One thing I am learning is that although my favorite record playing system (VPI HW40, Consolidated SUT, Sound Smith Hyperion, C-J ART Phono), usually bests the best, newest Redbook  discs played through my Luxman D-10X, the difference is not as great as it once was.  Moreover, on occasion a Redbook comes along that is it's equal or better.  Too, DSD almost always equals and frequently betters my analog setup.   There is over a 5X cost up charge for that analog setup compared the the very expensive Luxman.  LP prices are skyrocketing.  BTW, in my system, high res down loads have not sounded as good to me as either CD or LP copies of the same music.  All this makes the CD, worthy of reconsideration in my estimation.

"I ended up buying blind/deaf..."

The only way to beat this problem is to buy from a seller offering return privileges.  There is no other way.  I know this is not something that everyone wants to do, but especially if the purchase is for an expensive item why accept the risk of having no recourse?  Also, once you have established a track record with a seller, they are happy to do it.  They know you, know you are serious, they value your business.  When I hesitated about my last phono stage, Conrad-Johnson sent me their new ART Phono on spec without hesitation.  This is a ~ $28,000 item.  Showed up without so much as a credit card, nothing.  My dealer facilitated that and of course I bought it.  They knew I very likely would once I heard it, but this was a brand new unit that required break in for crying out loud.  No worries I was told, take what ever time is needed.  Is it any wonder I am a loyal customer?  So, find vendors you trust, be a good customer, don't jerk them around and expect and you will get in home privileges so you do not have to make major decisions blind.

You are correct finding a dealer that you are comfortable with and that you can trust is not easy.  My advice to newbies is to shop for a dealer first.  There are plenty of good brands of equipment out there.  Finding a good dealer, not so much.  Once you find one, give him/her as much business as you can.