I was very impressed with the Rossini DAC, but, as an analog guy, I would really need to do a direct comparison with a good analog front end in the same system over a period of time to know how far digital has come. A few years ago a group of us compared the latest Berkeley Alpha DAC with a Basis turntable and it seemed everyone preferred the latter. I do think the latest dCS systems have taken digital much further.
Hi Peter, I understand and support your point of view. I think the Rossini may and likely the Vivaldi stack will close that gap...but its dependent on the recording. Seems like my best analog is recorded to tape then carefully mastered to vinyl. My best digital is also to tape then if it's carefully mastered to DSD or hi rez pcm then it's pretty spectacular too. At least to the point you don't worry so much about the format and each format seems to have some strengths/weaknesses that complicate "a best." However, the best digital is usually more expensive than a top notch vinyl rig. And you can get great vinyl for not much $$'s...great digital costs more and requires the best in power cords/conditioners/isolation to really shine. It's hard to beat a vinyl based system like yours. Especially given your software collection.
And I think this comes to the point why I like my digital so much...my software is different for the most part. It opens up more music available for me to listen to that I enjoy...