Roadrunner "A Dramatic Turn Of Events" - Dream Theater

I became addicted to Dream Theater's music way back in 1992 with "Images and Words". I was 32 years old and becoming fed up with what passed for music. My favorites were calling it quits, getting old, losing interest, dying, and I truly began to think that, for me anyway, Rock had died. But then I heard DT for the first time. I love the music and only James LeBrie Could sing these songs. His voice and range is an instrument unto itself. Very few bands as long lived as DT produce new and interesting music without giving in to excess or losing relevance. DT have created a number of true classics including my personal favorites "Scenes From A Memory", Train Of Thought, and "Black Clouds And Silver Linings". I had great hope for "A Dramatic Turn Of Events". It appeared to have all the trappings of a classic; a great cover, awesome title, thought provoking track names/stories, and the band appeared vibrant and energized, especially, after the difficult departure of Maestro Mike Portnoy. I was disappointed. Even after several playings! Why? Lyrics are awesome. Song lengths are perfect. Track layout is intelligently done. So what is it? Number one is the sound. I love DT's ability to make their albums sound deep, no, DEEP! So rich, vibrant, and alive! This disc sounds mechanical. No matter what adjustments I made to my system, I couldn't pull out the DT from this DT disc. Maybe I need to buy the vinyl version? I don't use cheap equipment; Pioneer Elite, THX Certified, 170w x 8 channels, SACD rated, the works. Sony SACD changer. Jamo, Sunfire, and, temporarily anyway, Cadence speakers (upgrading to MLs or Paradigm soon), and no go. Next, and I really hate saying this, the absence of Mike Portnoy is simply too much to overcome. Nothing personal Mr. Mike Mangini but there is only one Mike Portnoy. You may be a fine drummer and you may eventually find your own since of "heart and soul" that made Mr. Portnoy such an important part of DT. Honestly, I hope you do because I want DT to go on and on making great music.
So, why 3 out of 5 and not worse? Because the songs are not losers. They just need a little more time to ripen. Let Mike Mangini get a feel for DT then turn him loose in the studio. That, or, hire someone else. The let loose that DT magic in the studio. A Dramatic Turn Of Events could well be another GREAT Dream Theater album.