When and how did you, if at all, realize vinyl is better?

Consciousness is a privilege or aspect of a complex social/environmental scene, it is not a core requirement for species survival.

Really not sure about that statement. Lots of very old-school assumptions embedded there. I'd say 'consciousness' is a lot older and deeper than just humans, and long a key to "species survival." 

In other news, I appreciate Ralph's point about how the cheapness of digital recording contributed to its dominance. I can remember recording on analog equipment in the 80s, and marveling at the beauty of the playback on a good reel to reel machine (can't remember the make).  I don't recall ever having that feeling with digital recording.  

But on the other hand, one has to recognize that the cheapness and ease of digital recording and reproduction has led to an incredible amount of musical creativity, whether through digital sampling, listeners 'curating' huge collections of diverse music on their hard drives, or the democratization, to a point, of musical recording.  Digital has been detrimental but in the very limited (and elite) value of accurate musical reproduction in the home. 

Really not sure about that statement. Lots of very old-school assumptions embedded there. I’d say ’consciousness’ is a lot older and deeper than just humans, and long a key to "species survival."

Personally my take away is that you are saying this for others, not as a jab at me. Seems logical. I mean no such thing as you describe. The opposite in fact. But it is a debatable aspect of life tied to biological systems, as we know them. Stated as a off to one side factual manner as we are rarely in an environment, concerning forums and the written word, where a balanced open view is functional, in it’s intent, for the majority. Overstated and offside, so more can get the point. Layered psychological subterfuge and intent in the written word.

Better compared to what? 8 Track?

I really enjoyed Sabbath’s Paranoid on 8 track, when I was ~7. does that count? ;)

Also had ’Live at Folsom Prison’ on 8-track. Let’s sing along now: ’Early next mornin’ at a half-past 9, took a shot of cocaine and away I run....."

The graduation from Pinocchio and puff the magic dragon, was possibly a bit sharp.