Let me fix that for you:
The recordings using the Studer sound audibly better to me...
No, let me fix this for you:
The recordings using the Studer sounded audibly better to me and about 20 other people who all heard the same recording. Add to this the recording engineer himself who also admitted the recording from the Studer was better. There are many reasons why this is the case. Some are down to the technology (red book etc) and some are down to the design of the converters and their inherent complexity.
Funny that so many top record labels like ORG, Tacet etc choose to use no digital in their mastering process.
Here is
Bernie Grundman's Updated Mastering System:
New customized dual mono power supplies
New tape pre-amplifier: an upgraded hybrid design with single-ended in-out that is specifically triode on the input for the gain and EQ and feeds into a discreet solid state circuit that drives the output
Brand new tape heads for the Studer playback tape machine including a complete hardwire with Cardas cables
The power supplies on tube cutter amps have been updated and rewired with Cardas cable on the head leads and feedback
The Studer in Bernie's cutting room is essentially transport only i.e. it is used for the superb stability of its mechanical parts. All the electronics (from the tape heads through to the cutting head on the lathe) have now been totally customized and hard-wired point to point
The tube cutting amps used for the ORG LP reissues have just been re-tubed with ex-US military grade tubes from Sylvania
Why go to all this trouble if digital was better...