In reply to:

The science may tell us it's not as exacting as digital and although I believe this, I prefer that glorious soundstage. It's also a warmer sound.


Now we're getting somewhere. Your preference is all that really matters, and no scientist in his/her right mind will dispute that. Scientific evidence simply tells us that CDs are truer to the source than vinyl. Evidence does not and cannot definitively tell us which is better, since better is a loaded term and means something different to each individual. Properly written conclusions should not tell us which is better.

Your choice of playback technology, speakers, and the number of digital vs. analog components you have in the signal path will all have an effect on the final sound that arrives at your ears. Therein lies the beauty of audio. You can tailor the sound to your liking in so many ways, and at so many different price points.

And chess, watch the torch....