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

Parkinen, I don't think anyone will challenge that..

The same assumption could be made in regard to tube and SS; although in a bedroom system an SS amp would outweigh tubes based on practicality.

I believe the most valid observations are those that are made "unconsciously"; for example, that's how I made my most valid observations in regard to tube and SS. Ages ago, when I enjoyed the night-life, I wondered why did all the music on "jukeboxes" sound so good; it was because that was the first high end I had encountered, plus it was both tube and analog at 45 RPM.

My very first rig was SS, as probably everyone else's was because tubes were ancient. I was still enjoying the night-life when the "jukeboxes" changed to SS, but not digital, and somehow, the music had lost it's "sparkle". I didn't investigate, just quit playing the jukebox.

Not until my state of the art (according to "Stereo Review") SS needed to be replaced did I give those antiquated tubes another try, CJ it was, and never looked back to SS since. Now I wonder if my stance on tubes, is similar to this one on vinyl?

Really good thread. While digital can be done well for far less than a good table, cartridge and electronics it still to me sounds a bit artificial with a lack of depth. Perhaps it's because I started my audio trip prior to the invention of the CD but I just prefer listening to vinyl. I do have a nice system. VPI Scout with Dynavector 10X5 and Vincent PHO 700 phono stage and this helps. A lower end table with a mediocre cartridge is going to be a disappointment. Not close to top of the line but very good. 

One place where I feel digital is superior is on poorly produced recordings. A good system and good tt will only reproduce what is on the vinyl, that is the original source. CD's for some reason, I guess because they are digital, make these sound better. However, the newer higher end Original Masters vinyl albums sound amazing. 

If you believe vinyl sounds better and live in Atlanta I'd love to be persuaded. (Actually, probably would hate to be persuaded, considering what it would cost to replace my 1,676 CDs with vinyl, and purchasing a decent table as well. Egads.) Let's get together for listening comparisons: digital at my place; vinyl at yours; or however if you have a better idea.

Don't do it Danny!

I'm not in Atlanta but next time you're in NYC (everyone comes here at some point right?) swing by.

Ironically, the arguments in favor of why vinyl sounds better has less to do with vinyl per se and more to do with learning how to identify and recognize what's "wrong" with digital.  

Once your ears can hear what's "wrong" with digital it will be the only thing that you hear and you will have 1,676 things that suddenly piss you off... Yes I'm serious.

I spent ~35 years in software engineering and can hear the "code" in digital music reproduction and was always of the opinion that code was obsolete as soon as it shipped and should always be improved on.

Once your brain is wired that way, there's no going back.

Sure I love listening to my digital library (CD's, ALAC, WAV or whatever) but you can't get past the fact that there's software between the source and your ears - unavoidable.  Unfortunately, there are great software developers and crappy ones just as there are great studio mastering engineers and complete hacks.