Do CD-R's sound the same as originals

Leolewis7 - any insight as to why that is? We're 140+ posts into this topic and a whole bunch of people have said that they absolutely sound differently, but I haven't seen any real theory put on the table as to why this would be the case and I'm still curious. I'm also curious if you, as somebody who hears an obvious difference, has taken the time to compare the copy to the original to see if you have an exact match, or are your experiences based on possibly different "versions" of the same CD?

Maybe I just need to upgrade my Pioneer receiver :-)

Yes they do if they are done properly, in my opinion. No one who thinks otherwise in this post has so far presented an even remotely satisfying explanation to the contrary. And it is clear that at least some of the people who hear differences are not properly making their copies. Particularly those who claim they hear big differences.

Kthomas....was the "maybe I just need to upgrade my Pioneer receiver" a joke?

Yes it was - hence the :-)

It's obvious that Joe_coherent and Kthomas have placed a significant value on CR-Rs. It's quite possible that "better" equipment will produce a better result. Beauty is in the eyes (in this case ears) of the beholder. After all, this, the greatest hobby in the world, manufactures controversy, doesn't it? Like tubes vs. transistors. Vinyls vs. CDs. If you guys feel that you can equal or better the result of the aluminum disc, go for it. For me, I am not impressed. If I want a "better version", I could invest in a gold CD. If someone with a Pioneer receiver and Pioneer CD player tells me there is no difference whatsoever when he listens to my system, I do not argue. The Pioneer fellow has achieved a state of joy and ecstasy -- what right have I to put thumb prints on his rose colored glasses.