Reel to Reel; Digital players ; & Turntables/LP's

There is always an ongoing discussion of analog versus digital. What I have been reading lately appears to indicate that digital is making major steps forward and moving away from CD’s and closing the gap: e.g., Bryston’s BDP 1 digital player.

I have a couple of questions. First how does the new technology in digital players compare with analog?

Second, I am old enough to have been around when reel to reel tape recorders were prevalent among audiophiles. I always thought these were far superior to turntables & LP’s in sound & convenience. You could increase sound quality by increasing the tape speed: e.g., 3¾, 7½, or 15 inches per second. Of course, you could only get sound quality that was equivalent to what you recorded from. You did not have to worry about LP records wearing out from play or getting a scratch; you could create compilations; and it was analog. You could also buy pre-recorded reels but they were not very common.

Any opinions with regard to turntables/LP’s versus reel to reel recording for quality and sound. Also, how does the new new digital player technology compare with analog.