With DCS, i noticed the system was quieter, more detailed...impressive but relatively speaking i much preferred listening to music on my Zanden. I also know i have some minor PSU hum that needs to be fixed...choke filter. The DCS was the first to show me how much detail one could retrieve...but in terms of that detail, it felt (to me) the DCS presentation while more detailed felt more like excellent reproduction, stiff...not sure how one articulates this bit. A typewriter of music? In the right system, magic i am sure. But, somehow, it did not move me musically...or financially! My quest continues...
What you describe are the major improvements(and general differences) in the current high-end digital sources compared to old(er) generations imo, manifested as higher resolution/more detail, improved transparency, lower noise floor and perhaps increased bandwidth. I do recognize these improvements on an intellectual level, but I'm not sure if my current Audio Aero La Fontaine is more musically pleasing, natural sounding or enjoyable than my former Prestige or Capitole. The Capitole especially were a very natural and organic sounding player with wonderful timbre.
Actually, I've got the same feeling overall after attending high-end shows during the last 2-3 years. To me, 70-80% of the rooms disqualifies themselves as musically satisfying to my ears, leaving me more or less stone cold. In absolute, rational terms things are most certainly improving, but high-tech gear from manufacturers such as Magico, Wilson, Krell, Constellation, Thiel etc.(to name only a few) most often sound cold, sterile, flat and polite. Neutral and true to the source? Maybe. Engaging, musically enjoyable, natural, organic, fully bodied, textured...? Rarely. Maybe what I'm missing is what many audiophiles (and manufacturers) are doing their best to avoid - distorsion and noise. I don't know. What I do recognize and care about is what I hear, what makes my heart beat faster, what makes my hair stand up on my arms and what brings smiles to my face. In the end, my emotional heart will always win over my rational brain.
Maybe this is a larger question for another thread, and maybe what I'm hearing and experiencing is the actual goal of a majority of the manufacturers? The question is if it reflects the taste and preferences of a majority of the audiophiles and music lovers.