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

Simple comparisons may not tell the whole story. Unless CDs are treated and the CD player is isolated from seismic vibrations (among other things) analog usually has an advantage IMHO. Tweaking and modding can make the comparisons more competitive. And if you’re a clever fellow you might even make the CD win. There are simply way too many variables to make a definitive case for either format.

no doubt the vinyl was superior...  to what year CD???

I love the sound of records through my TT (Goldmund); and only began getting real pleasure
from CD's/digital "after" I used an Equitech "balanced" isolation transformer to separate/isolate power to analog and digital sources. Friends think it's 'overkill' - until they listen, and relax. It has certainly been "transform-ative" to my enjoyment of digital. I have found using top level MIT Oracle interconnects contributes enormously to my enjoyment of digital as well. (I also agree w geoffkait about providing a stable base for the digital player)

I also appreciate the significant contribution of the ULTRABIT PLATINUM cleaner and treatment for CD's (as do countless others)
Kudos to 
George S. Louis, Esq, CEO, Digital Systems & Solutions
www.audiogeorge.com

yes, GregKohanmin nailed it .