What CDP gets really close to vinyl?

I think with vinyl, there is no imposed limit to dynamic range imposed by the format as there is with Redbook CD. So it is possible for vinyl to achieve greater dynamic range in theory.

But in practice, most records are not recorded and produced in a manner that stretches those limits, though some do.

One of the reasons is that it takes a very good turntable setup to be able to track a record produced with very large dynamics accurately without mistracking or distortion creeping in.

Ironically, a lot of teh early Telarc digitally recorded lps were designed to demonstrate the dynamic range capabilities of the new digital recording technology. I recall most turntables, even decent ones, that most people owned could not track those well. They helped up the ante in terms of what one might expect out a good phono rig in terms of dynamics.

In practice, wither vinyl or CD can hold the edge in regards to dynamics on a case by case, recording to recording basis, despite the fact that a really good phono rig and a really good recording together tehse days might be able to set the bar.

One other point I would put out there is that I find the better CD recordings out there do not leave me wanting in any regard relating to dynamics, so the real limits of the format are not of any real consequence, at least for me.

Where the 16 bits available in CD Redbook format to capture dynamics probably does fall a tad short in comparison to the best analog, is in the area of microdynamics, in other words, the deficiency is in how well small differences in waveform magnitude is represented, not the largest ones, which is what determines dynamic range.

This is why bowed strings and other instruments capable of producing extended duration complex yet subtle harmonics that do not vary much in magnitude, like massed strings, are perhaps the hardest thing to get 100% correct with CDs.

I also think the DCS ring dac architecture is SOTA in its ability to fill in those microdynamics in an ear friendly manner (though it is still just an estimate of what is missing) as a result of its highly randomized dithering capabilities.

Other well executed DACs like the mhdt's at various price points are extremely close however. USe of the tube out stage in the tubed mhdt DACs can help also by applying an ear friendly very high frequency low pass filter, as does a lot of gear out there, either via tubes or other approaches.

One last point. Remember that our ability to hear the highest audible recorded frequencies lessens as we age. Most people, including myself in that category, can no longer hear the very high frequencies that we are talking about where these subtle differences occur.

So for many older golden eared audiophiles, this last degree of detail that might not be there with CD redbook is a non-issue and everything can be 100% golden.

Your dog may be able to hear such things and care but we golden eared audiophiles will never know.....

FWIW, my dog sits and listens to music with me often and seems to enjoy it. I can see his ears twitch and move in accordance with what is playing, so I know that he at least gets it in general!