Darko nailed it. 12 examples of wishful thinking in the hi-fi community

@mapman could just be confirmation bias.

@invalid Of course could be confirmation bias listening but not so much in this case I would say based on extensive sample size listening randomly over time to different releases of same album, some vinyl source, some various digital  remasters,  I can usually tell which source is playing when it comes up randomly in my playlists.  

I can tell the vinyl sources even in cases where there is no surface noise clearly audible.  THe unique properties of a specific record come through loud and clear, whether good bad or neutral. 

I always use ultrasonic vinyl cleaning machine on a record prior to digitizing for best results.  I am also often able to tell which specific digital mastering of album I am hearing.

For records in less than perfect condition, where I cannot filter out all teh noise during digitizing process in Audacity,  its a piece of cake to tell a vinyl sourced digital version.   Surface noise present in the source comes through loud and clear along with all the rest.   Have never heard vinyl surface noise otherwise. 

As a result I play a record once in order to convert to digital in my library, then I stream via Roon from there.  I do keep the records afterwards however because 1) I still like having records and 2) in case anything were to hapen and teh digital files lost.  I do backups of my library regularly though so not likely.

Perhaps as I downsize further over time, some records may go just so my kids no longer have to deal with them when I am gone.

I’ve digitized a lot of vinyl at CD resolution.  Even a few 78’s   The digital versions sound just like the original analog.  THe reverse could never be true.   Hmmmm.

In general, I find Darko site useful in that it addresses good products that actually can benefit many people, not just those few with the deepest pockets who care about what is marketed as "high end".

So much nicer reading people’s thoughts on hifi related topics rather than on  politics.  Much easier to take it or leave it as a convenience.  Anyone can express their opinions to a wide audience these days.  Interesting times.   We will see what happens.