I am curious though as an experiment if it is possible for you to make it sound just like the recording. Can you actually get there with your process? I am assuming of course you clearly hear where your system deviates from the recording itself...
This brings us back to the crux of the matter: what is the reference to be judged by? The YouTube music video that someone posted. You know Brad, one thing that I learned a long time ago is not to waste my time chasing ghosts but instead spend the time chasing what I enjoy. If you think that there is an “Absolute Sound” then good luck finding it.