To me it’s the music that matters. If a piece of vinyl and a good table makes it happen that day that’s great. I listen to different formats based on what each one reveals. I love vinyl. I love my CDs (and I love tubes except when I don’t). And sometimes I hate that phones don't provide the touch feedback that good speakers do (I only use subs for movies not music but I have heard at least 2 fabulous and moving systems with subs. . . ) I do love good phones sometimes and digital music while walking and thinking- I can listen in a way I can’t at home with vinyl. The turntable in the house I’m in has problems that can’t be addressed structurally (so it’s a matter of choosing a time when people are reasonably still). A good balanced system and CD is great music. It doesn’t have the warmth of vinyl sometimes but the pops and clicks do bother some more, and some more at times, than others. Honestly, I really don’t think there is a better criteria for which is best than which one makes you completely forget everything but the music.
When and how did you, if at all, realize vinyl is better?
Of course I know my own story, so I'm more curious about yours. You can be as succinct as two bullets or write a tome.