Why do records made from digital sources sound good?

I believe that people who dis vinyl playback simply have not heard a really good system within a context that they are familiar with.  Likewise people who dis all things digital are equally flying blind.  The fact is that the differences are converging and either can be the winner in any given comparison.  A lot comes down to the mastering engineer apparently.  One thing I am learning is that although my favorite record playing system (VPI HW40, Consolidated SUT, Sound Smith Hyperion, C-J ART Phono), usually bests the best, newest Redbook  discs played through my Luxman D-10X, the difference is not as great as it once was.  Moreover, on occasion a Redbook comes along that is it's equal or better.  Too, DSD almost always equals and frequently betters my analog setup.   There is over a 5X cost up charge for that analog setup compared the the very expensive Luxman.  LP prices are skyrocketing.  BTW, in my system, high res down loads have not sounded as good to me as either CD or LP copies of the same music.  All this makes the CD, worthy of reconsideration in my estimation.

I believe that people who dis vinyl playback simply have not heard a really good system within a context that they are familiar with. 

Agree. Usually the best sonics are tape, vinyl, then digital.

@billstevenson - nice rig. I run a VPI Avenger, 4point and Schroeder CB-L, various top carts, VDH Grail SB phono.

When I was building my audio chain, I demoed the best I could find at brick n mortar and major audio shows.  Then I tried to recreate the sonics within my budget.  Wondering how many agoners actually demoed top systems to gear top sonics, I suspect very few “digital better than vinyl” have this experience as a reference.

@mahler123 Cartridges affect the sound a lot less than you suggest in this post!

+1 @atmasphere

@kennyc When I was building my audio chain, I demoed the best I could find at brick n mortar and major audio shows.

At audio shows, you listen to whole system performance. Isolating a specific piece is rarely possible, particularly, hearing multiple TTs in same system at an audio show is a pipe dream based on my experience.

Re brick and mortar, that has been a let down. I asked Upscale Audio in Los Angeles (a pretty well-known larger outfit) to set up a demo to show that TT plinth (as opposed to cartridge) can make a difference. Their choice of plinths, their choice of same cart, their choice of other electronics, their choice of demonstration track. So all stacked in their favor. They flat out said they could not do that. With about two months lead time, and being a prior multiple time customer. Maybe one could do that in the past, but now, that is impossible.

I ended up buying blind/deaf a Rega Naia package. Well regarded in reviews, and no option to get better in the low mass arena. I am happy with it, better than my previous VPI SPS rig. But no idea why and whether it can get better. It still is a black box.

"I ended up buying blind/deaf..."

The only way to beat this problem is to buy from a seller offering return privileges.  There is no other way.  I know this is not something that everyone wants to do, but especially if the purchase is for an expensive item why accept the risk of having no recourse?  Also, once you have established a track record with a seller, they are happy to do it.  They know you, know you are serious, they value your business.  When I hesitated about my last phono stage, Conrad-Johnson sent me their new ART Phono on spec without hesitation.  This is a ~ $28,000 item.  Showed up without so much as a credit card, nothing.  My dealer facilitated that and of course I bought it.  They knew I very likely would once I heard it, but this was a brand new unit that required break in for crying out loud.  No worries I was told, take what ever time is needed.  Is it any wonder I am a loyal customer?  So, find vendors you trust, be a good customer, don't jerk them around and expect and you will get in home privileges so you do not have to make major decisions blind.