This topic is a true 'evergreen'.
The advantages of digital are convenience, assured pitch stability, and (usually) quietude. Provided one has a top rank record cleaning system*, the advantages of analog with a superior analog front end and well-curated vinyl (or tape) continue to be better and more natural reproduction of tone and timbre and a more convincing image. For example, Frank, Ella, Dean, and Nat sound more true to life when reproduced from a well-made LP. Having readable jacket notes and appealing graphics is an additional plus.
As an added fillip, I continue to notice that physical media (RBCD, SACD, and quality vinyl) usually beats downloaded files of the same material when played on today's better decks and turntables. Digital sounds shrink-wrapped and on the blah side compared to superior analog. Convenience aside, those who depend on downloads seldom hear what their systems can really do.
YMMV. Happy listening.
Bob
*PS: The few available superior RCMs, although expensive, constitute just a rounding error in the total cost of many (most?) of the audio systems bandied about on this forum.
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Sources: Clearaudio Jubilee MC/Clearaudio Innovation Wood TT w/Universal Arm 9” and Professional Power 24V; MCT500 CD/SACD transport; OPPO 205; NAD C446 Internet Tuner; Nakamichi 670ZX cassette deck. Electronics: MacIntosh C2700 preamp w/DA2 and MC462 power amp. Speakers: Wilson Yvettes with Acoustic Diodes Headphones: MacIntosh MHP 1000 Interconnects: Transparent SBL2 XLR GEN 6 balanced and SSC8 GEN 6 speaker cables; MCT - MCT500 -> C2700.Power cords: Transparent (on preamp, power amp and transport). Surge protected. Record and CD maintenance : Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic RCM; L’Art du Son CD treatment.
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