All things being equal--equal in the sense that all components are of the same price point or level of quality, my experience is that vinyl provides a natural and dimensional sound that cannot often be equalled by digital.
In fact, I remember a vinyl to cd comparison with the high end DCS stack vs the top of the line Basis turntable at the NY audio show about 5 years ago with some expensive high end separates (I believe Burmester, but not positive). The purpose was to demonstrate how far DCS digital had come and to promote the DCS stack. I sat among a fairly large crowd of people whom I had never met. After a number of identical "mastered from original source" cd and vinyl selections were played, it was explained to us how we had just heard how digital has finally equalled or surpassed vinyl in SQ. In fact, many of us walked out at that point and joined in a conversation in the hall among audiophile strangers as to whether, in fact, the dealer was using some reverse psychology to sell the Basis turntable. Not one of the fellas in the hall thought the DCS stack was that close to the Basis in SQ. Of, course, the turntable, arm and cart (Lyra Titan at that time) was an expensive set up, but well short of the cost of the DCS stack.
Needless to say, that demonstration merely confirmed my opinion that existed prior and still does today.
However, if you never want to hear a tic, snap or pop in your music and do not cotton to the inconvenience of vinyl, I can surely understand trying to obtain the best digital presentation possible. Every year, the best digital gets closer and closer to the natural presentation of vinyl----maybe someday it will get there.
In fact, I remember a vinyl to cd comparison with the high end DCS stack vs the top of the line Basis turntable at the NY audio show about 5 years ago with some expensive high end separates (I believe Burmester, but not positive). The purpose was to demonstrate how far DCS digital had come and to promote the DCS stack. I sat among a fairly large crowd of people whom I had never met. After a number of identical "mastered from original source" cd and vinyl selections were played, it was explained to us how we had just heard how digital has finally equalled or surpassed vinyl in SQ. In fact, many of us walked out at that point and joined in a conversation in the hall among audiophile strangers as to whether, in fact, the dealer was using some reverse psychology to sell the Basis turntable. Not one of the fellas in the hall thought the DCS stack was that close to the Basis in SQ. Of, course, the turntable, arm and cart (Lyra Titan at that time) was an expensive set up, but well short of the cost of the DCS stack.
Needless to say, that demonstration merely confirmed my opinion that existed prior and still does today.
However, if you never want to hear a tic, snap or pop in your music and do not cotton to the inconvenience of vinyl, I can surely understand trying to obtain the best digital presentation possible. Every year, the best digital gets closer and closer to the natural presentation of vinyl----maybe someday it will get there.