When is digital going to get the soul of music?

Well said Mapman, honestly I just don't hear that "blows away digital" that some do with their turntable. I'm fortunate to have heard some wonderful analog and digital front ends in very well set up systems. Both can really sound fantastic but one doesn't outclass the other, at least this hasn't been the case for me. I enjoy both.
Charles,

I am routinely blown away by both the artistry and sound these days in older recordings from the 50's, 40's and even 30's that I would never have enjoyed prior that now sound exhilarating (often in quite unique ways compared to most "modern" recordings) when I listen to CD remastered versions on my rig these days.

Most of these recordings are from before my time, and only recently have I discovered and enjoyed them. Part of this is probably due to my system being the best it has ever been in terms of being up to the task. The rest has to do with all the unique aspects to experience and explore with older recordings, including how these relate to or influenced things that came later, as well as the unique circumstances of the time that one can read about to help gain appreciation. I've always been somewhat of a history buff as well as music lover and audio kook.

Mapman and Charles1dad, all I can say is that I have many double record 45 rpm reissued great jazz recordings where I have nice remastered cd versions. There is just no comparison in the attack, involvement in the recording, or just realism.

If you are happy with what you hear, and so am I, all is well. I do think that dsd and certainly double dsd will get digital so close that the convenience of hard drive and computer music servers and their convenience will overcome any shortfall of digital.

Tbg,
If we're happy all is well, I agree wholeheartedly. I listen to numerous analog fronted systems and really enjoy them. I don't hear the wide gap between those and first rate digital as you do, that's all. I certainly don't question your perception, I appreciate the subtle differences that exist. Night and day contrast ? No.
Charles,

I personally agree with what Detlof states above concerning digital vs. vinyl. To MY ears it is in the presentation of large scale orchestral music that digital just misses the mark, it is not as convincing as vinyl. Just listen to the violins on a great vinyl recording and then compare to a great digital recording of the same piece and tell me there is no difference. It is just too obvious to me as good as digital is now it still isn't as natural IMHO. There is just an inherent sweetness (resolution) that escapes digital, it just isn't there yet but I hold hope for the future!