CD mastering a lost art?

I think its more pining for days gone by than anything based in reality.

The fact is everything about digital has only improved over time and continues to in general.

Often, economics dictate that cheap products be made. Other times, not. Nothing new here. It's always been this way.

If you really beleive this, stick with your original master CDs and save a lot of money on remasters when they come out. I find most to be a big improvement though there are always a few clunkers now just the same as always.

The best sounding CDs made in the last 10 years sound better than ever. Crap still sounds like crap, same as always, though I'll go so far as to say that I think even the worst crap made today still sounds better tnan in years past.

Another trend seems to be multiple remasters and remixes of alread popular material in order to broaden the appeal.

A lot easier than coming up with something totally new to get peoples interest.

I think its a good thing though in that it adds more variety and avenues that you can go down when you find something you like. Very practical!

True that in most professions, especially those involving application of technology, there are usually only a select few that truly excel.