Why did it take so long

I think the cd was released before it was ready for prime time.  All Sony could see was those $ signs.  I think digital will continue to improve for a long time to come.

Weaning off all the hardware associated with the disc itself and recording direct to memory of one form or other currently seems like it might be the next step - no more lasers and player mechanisms, etc helps...if we can actually get to the point of having a complete record/playback chain without all that anyway. Not there just yet generally, but we're getting closer...but, for that, copyright issues remain in the foreseeable future.

The scattered background laser light getting into the photodetector is still an issue. They are either unaware of the issue or choose to ignore it. And seismic vibration is still an issue obviously.

Wow... thank you for all of your answers and especially thank you audioengr!!!

Sitting here listening to U2 streaming through the Quad VA-One and reading a thread where OP asks if there is any way to have quiet vinyl and thinking YES,it's called digital!!!