Yes they could hear the difference when we switched to analog but the differences were so minor they were all a bit surprised . It was pretty well an even split as to which each preferred . I often switch back and forth threw an evening of listening but sometimes have to look up to see which I'm hearing .
I'm not an advocate for either format , when I settle in to listen , I try to forget the details and enjoy the music , I only wish more of my audio club members were as open minded .
One of these fellows is still in a snit about the evening . LOL