I agree with much of what Tpreaves sez.
Whether newer digital devises have 'improved', say since 2004, is probably less important than whether any subtle changes aka improvements will be sufficient to be heard on your system in your room and whether you are involved enuf in issues of resolution to have the interest an patience to sit and try to detect the differences. I'm sure that there are differences but whether there are significant improvements. For example, I like the sound of some non-upsampling DAC/CDP's and do not use up-sampling on those units which have the option (on most CD's, but not all).
Most folks, I think, are far more interested in tonal issues once a certain level of resolution has been obtained and for them I think the latest edition of some high end DAC will not be rewarding even though it is highly thought of and promoted.
Then there are some fairly ugly women who spend a lot of money on fancy jewelry! :-)
Whether newer digital devises have 'improved', say since 2004, is probably less important than whether any subtle changes aka improvements will be sufficient to be heard on your system in your room and whether you are involved enuf in issues of resolution to have the interest an patience to sit and try to detect the differences. I'm sure that there are differences but whether there are significant improvements. For example, I like the sound of some non-upsampling DAC/CDP's and do not use up-sampling on those units which have the option (on most CD's, but not all).
Most folks, I think, are far more interested in tonal issues once a certain level of resolution has been obtained and for them I think the latest edition of some high end DAC will not be rewarding even though it is highly thought of and promoted.
Then there are some fairly ugly women who spend a lot of money on fancy jewelry! :-)