HasCD sound exceeded expectations since 1983?


Question should read..."Has CD sound quality exceeded consumer expectations since 1983??" Despite CDs operational convenience, dynamics and silent backgrounds, there seems to be much grousing and criticizing a medium that is almost now universally recognized as the best sound quality available.

However, "analog sound" continues to be the ultimate measure of CD sound among many audiophiles Even though I own an above average turntable and MC cartridge. I get tired of hearing the quip: "CDs are great...BUT records sound better" Where is the CD digital medium headed?? (especially with the computer audio boogeyman waiting in the wings to take over)
sunnyjim
I own all 3 fomats, the computer audio boogey man has visited my home, I still love vinyl, but I can't deny that I am computer hooked... as far as CD exceeding expectation? I remember receiving the first cd player, a Magnavox FD1000, I sold a ton of these. They were sharp, clear and HARSH... So, they have definately come along way. For the Audiophile I believe computer will take over, too much versitility with changing drives for storage, changing DACs to change your sound and huge ease of use.
I agree with Timlub. I have satisfying easy to listen to computer digital. Yesterday I picked up the Robert Glasper LP. Ummm
I'd say the players have caught up to cd and like all things some recordings are good and some bad, but present equipment has brought out previously unheard resolution from the medium, thanks to an Oppo 95 for me, I can say I love my cd's as much as my sacd's for musical pleasure.
Had LP's went to all Digital when the format came out because of the quieter background. Because of all the recent hype I tried vinyl again and I am now back to that format most of the time. And because of my recent vinyl experience cd's / SACD's in general have not meet my higher expectations. I also listen to Internet Radio on occasion.

Chuck
Thanks to all have responded so far. I am sure there is much more to be said. I was going to attach a separate question to this thread at first, but changed my mind. However, it was brought to my attention by a local audio dealer that audio is getting "too easy" for the consumer with the arrival of computer audio and server storage. In 1970, this hardware would have been almost the "stuff" of science fiction

Obviously on this site, many of use are audio equipment journeymen, that is moving from our first system, then the next....etc etc, until we have at least $10,000 worth of gear parked in our living rooms. We have learned the audio business by both addition and subtraction over a fixed time period. There is much personal satisfaction, and a sense of individual achievement in making this audio junkie journey. I don't own an I-PAD, POD or other techno marvels. I prefer very good sound in a room created by state of the art equipment or almost SOTA. A young man or woman who graduates college today at 22, or an MBA program at 26, will probably have little or no appreciate for analog audio, or even possibly digital CD formats. Their generation has been weened since age 12 on cells, PADS and PODS,and the efficiency and variety of music accessed by computer.

The interesting (negative) consequence of computer audio is that its ultimate goal almost by default is to eliminate most of the traditional audio components and necessary software. If so,this may be the final death knell for the audio store, and the CD hardware market. The technological efficiency and convenience of computer audio maybe, or is inevitable, However, I am not sure cyber accessed music is healthy for a world economy based on putting people to work. There is no way this scenario can magically make more out of less.