Not all of us pay attention to analog (any more).

My own system consists of a decent analog/vinyl rig (VPI HW-19 'table, Sumiko BPS cart., Rega arm, etc.) And digital: Musical Fidelity DAC, heavily modified Philips CD-60 multi-bit CDP, etc.). I confirm analog -- all else held equal -- has SOME sonic benefits. But I went 90% digital as far back as 1986 because digital sounded v. good, was far more convenient, etc.

About Michael Fremer ...

One important fact about MF is that he is probably the ONLY loud voice (among mainstream reviewers) of the vinyl format.

If vinyl/analog was so overwhelmingly superior (sound-wise), it would not have taken that huge sales-number dip in the 90s. Nor would high-end reviewers (JGH, HP, et. al.) have embraced and endorsed digital as they had starting with 2nd gen. (and latter) CD players.

Digital improved (late 80s) after a rough start and continues to do so to this day. True: so does vinyl, to some extent. But only at the high-end (= $$). Most of the low- and mid-priced 'tables and 'carts avail today are comparable to low- and mid-priced 'tables and 'carts of the late 70s and 80s.

Add to that, vinylphiles are highly inconsistent:

--E.g., While MF may use modern/$$ gear, Art Dudley use classic Garrard and Thorens 'tables (see his blog or Stereophile YouTube video).
--Also check Forums like VinylEngine, AudioAsylum and AudioKarma ... members here are perpetually discussing superiority of "classic" gear -- almost none of which has been discussed in Stereophile or TAS in decades.

So ... whose OPINION is important or trustworthy? Indeed most of these folks are HONESTLY reporting their experience and opinions on these respective topics.

For multiple, complex (synergistic) reasons, vinyl has re-surged as a choice format for CERTAIN music enthusiasts.

By far, digital remains the preferred format for audiophiles, recording engineers, and media companies.

Thats why I love my Devialet Expert 220, It is an Analog-Digital Hybrid. Basically you get the best of both worlds, the warm sound of Analog but the precision and energy of Digital. If you live in NYC, Devialet Soho store does free demonstrations and at-home demos just call them