Will digital audio ever outperform analog? Since the age of CDs, debate has raged among listens over whether digital music could ever measure up to the quality of its analog predecessor. Here, we break down some of the technical realities behind both mediums to assess the reality of the situation. Guest post Ever since the advent of the compact disc, and the widespread consumer access to digital audio that it brought, people have debated over whether or not digital audio could ever adequately replace its analog predecessors. As downloadable and streaming digital formats have increased in prevalence and complexity, the discussion has only amplified, with many diehard analog “purists” decrying the loss of musical soul they feel is notably missing in modern digital audio formats.