There is nothing jarring about digital audio. In controlled tests people are unable to tell when a 44/16 "bottleneck" is inserted into an analog playback chain. This is well known and well documented. The key is "controlled tests" which apparently many people here are unfamiliar with. :->)Hmmm. I would be interested to see that study.
I am sure you and others are familiar with this one: http://www.stereophile.com/features/203/#um3KMoxJTFAhwZAf.97