i completely get preferring analog media, so if it’s about the sound characteristics (that ‘warmth’), having physical media, etc fair enough. but if the goal of an audiophile is to get the highest quality reproduction of a recording wouldn’t CDs or FLACs be your best bet?
maybe this only really applies for newer music, perhaps digital releases for music recorded analogue are just digitized vinyl or reel to reel recordings but for music produced in DAWs the highest quality version available for that release would surely be either a CD or a digital FLAC release
Just as a parent can love all their children, regardless of the various strengths and limitations of one not shared by the others, Audiophiles can, and do, love all their high quality audio sources.
I love my vinyl records… and I have a great Rega P8 turntable with fantastic cartridges, etc.
I love my CDs… and I have a superior Jay’s Audio CD Transport that brings their content to life.
I love my Streaming and DAC… and I have the terrific Chord Hugo TT2 DAC and super capable SOtM network streaming for flawless high res playing from Qobuz.
There’s never been a better time to be an audiophile.