Alpha, when CDs (digital music) first appeared, the technology was new enough that engineers often lost some of the subtle qualities inherent in the original (analog) masters. The sharp-eared among us could hear the difference. Techniques have improved since then.

I had an uncle who was a long-term hi-fi/stereo buff. He only bought vacuum tube equipment because he claimed that tubes gave a "warmer" sound than transistors and integrated circuits. A lot of "high end" audio buyers believe the same--and are willing to pay outlandish prices for tube equipment.