When is digital going to get the soul of music?

With my Naim CD555, I can tell which wood the drumsticks are made of! :)

Raymonda,
I agree with your reply to Rockitman regarding cymbal reproduction with digital. It must be a matter of one`s system. I`ve own both a Linn LP12 TT and a Well Tempered Classic TT(better TT than the Linn). Neither of these TTs were superior to my current digital components at all. In terms of nuance, resolution of individual instruments and voice, really being able to distinguish subtle differences of inner detail. The Yamamoto DAC/PS Audio PWT is extraordinary at producing natural pure sound with uncanny realism. Digital sources , when done right can sound stunningly good.

I own the Perfect wav system. Cymbals are lacking in digital when compared to analog. You must listen to a good analog rig to even making a comparison. Prior to analog I had no problems with cymbal timbre, attack and decay on my digital front end (I didn't know any better). Even hi-rez sources at 24/96 or higher native sampling rates still don't stack up to the natural sound of cymbals reproduced via a vinyl record. I suspect those that are challenging my assertion don't have high end analog rigs in their systems. To even suggest cymbal production from 16 Bit redbook sources (along with the rest of the music) even compares to good analog is laughable.

04-19-11: Raymonda
(All cymbals mostly sound alike on a digital rig...not so with analog).

You must have a very poor performing system. Not only should you be able to tell what type of cymbal was use but also what brand of microphone was used to record it. I never have a problem doing so and neither do any of the folks I hang with.

Sure thing. Here's my poor system...LOL at you...

Pass Labs XA 100.5 Class monoblocks
Wilson Audio W/P 8's
Mark levinson 380S pre-amp
PS Audio Perfect Wav Dac and Transport
Clearaudio Innovation Wood Compact Turnatble
Clearaudio Universal Arm w/ VTA lift
Shelter Harmony cart
Clearaudio Balance Plus Phono stage with ACCU DC power supply.
Siltech LS-180 Speaker Wire, MC 4-80 Interconnnect XLR
PSAudio AC-10 and AC 12 power cords
PS Audio Power Plant Premier Power regenerator.

Some time back, I touted the Exemplar player, a converted Oppo.
I own the Dennon/Exemplar, his former best--which I think by most standards is still excellent 'digigal'.
As I think about what I get with this player and digital overall, I can't say that it compares with:

Sota Vacuum Table
Koetsu Rosewood Cartridge
Zeta Arm

The first time I heard this combination, with Ella singing, I melted...it was/still is an incredible sound to represent music. We aren't there yet with any digital I've heard.

Good listening,
Larry