@mikelavigne it is hard to find an Lp and digital file from the same mic feed, yet both native analog and digital. and that is what you need ideally, but it’s easy to find a digital file and vinyl pressing from the same tape master, and when you do, the vinyl will sound better than the digital file almost 100% of the time.
Hi -- in my case I would paraphrase the last sentence to "the vinyl will sound *more pleasant* than the digital file..."
Unlike you, I have had only one experience comparing vinyl and digital on a top-tier system, and my conclusions were different (surprisingly!).
A few months ago I witnessed a comparison on a number of tracks between Air-Force-2 / Graham and the "Absolute" DAC (then unknown to me). Soulution amplification, big Magico speakers (M6?). In a friendly atmosphere, the programme included the usual R Pigeon, Mahler, Jazz, et alia hi-end approved tracks. One that I singled out is Brubeck’s "Take Five" because purportedly both vinyl & digital file came from the same master (the file was a 24/96k). Many others supposedly did as well, but this one was a sure thing--apparently.
The surprising conclusion overall (and on Take-5 specifically) was that the DAC was more "accurate", slightly more dynamic, more open, and extended esp in the bass. My personal take was that the vinyl was, nevertheless, slightly more pleasant to listen to, although I admit the dynamic impact of the digital was prodigious in that system as was the energy, especially in the lower frequencies. (I began my research into exotic DACs then!). I might say the Absolute was slightly drier than the Air-Force, but I can’t actually say it sounded "dry", in & of itself.
So, after this lengthy rigmarole, my answer to the original question is: No, you cannot, but they can be close, and both can be musically pleasant.
