i think you say it best right in the beginning with Darling's...

sitting in the shade, Phish letting out in a "decidedly loose, funky groove..."

that struck me hardest the first note of summer i heard friday at SPAC... and Trey going back to the red Doc really was a big sign.

i had no idea about the switch to analog sound, but i'm so glad you have that info, thanks! i felt the sound all summer (i didn't catch any fall) was very smooth and felt naturally balanced.