Has anyone been able to define well or measure differences between vinyl and digital?

You're going to have a hard time deriving objective generalizations about these two formats in relation to each other, the whole thread is subjective based and will continue down that path. No single person can hear every single permutation of digital or analog setups, without this knowledge they are only hearing the difference in individual setups. Certainly, those with experience of having listened to many analog and digital setups can arrive at more objective conclusions, still doesn't account for all variables.

I'm with Zappasan, enjoy the music. While this discussion may be fine exercise in logic, I'm happy to let it all go and  simply enjoy the music from my vinyl and streaming setups. No longer any need to analyze the differences.

grislybutter

we are wired to appreciate sound based on our memories of the sound we grew up on ...

What makes you think that?

Have you ever asked yourself if you could get another over analytical answer than you can possibly receive on this forum? I would say absolutely not!
 

Which sounds better to YOU! Why do we seem to think we need some long overly technical explanation of why one form of audio sounds better than another. Its your system. Its your room and Environment. Its your ears. 
 

Just listen to what sounds best to YOU! Relax and enjoy your hobby. Listen to the music my friend🥳

@teo_audio

To clarify, an engineer is not trained to commit to the scientific method or invention, they are trained to follow the books, as that is why they are engineers, not scientists who explore and change things as required when required.

I respectfully disagree. Engineering is the practical application of science to solve problems. I went to university to study engineering and made my career of it. I was never trained to “follow the books.” My entire university experience can be summed up as “learn how to think and problem solve, don’t waste precious memory on things you can reference in a book.” My entire engineering career can be summarized as “I am a truth seeker, not a case maker. The data will guide my decisions. We cannot always have all the data we want, but we will endeavor to use reliable data and we will be flexible and adapt as needed.” I am very inquisitive and inventive. My work and personal interests straddle the line between science and engineering. My work 100% follows the scientific method.

@cleeds 

What makes you think that?

overanalyzing everything.