My take on the issue is that the big distinction between analogue and digital lies with or revolves around the cartridge. Cartridges sound almost as different to each other as speakers do. In addition, based upon how you set up the cartridge, you can further fine tune the sound.
As such, I would suggest that analogue provides two very real benefits over the more homogenous digital sound:
1. It allows the audiophile to compensate or complement their gear and room to optimize the sound, and
2. It allows them to tailor it to their listening preferences.
In either case, it is quite possible that experienced listeners will prefer analogue. Others, with different listening priorities or complementing equipment or rooms will prefer digital.
As such, I would suggest that analogue provides two very real benefits over the more homogenous digital sound:
1. It allows the audiophile to compensate or complement their gear and room to optimize the sound, and
2. It allows them to tailor it to their listening preferences.
In either case, it is quite possible that experienced listeners will prefer analogue. Others, with different listening priorities or complementing equipment or rooms will prefer digital.