I'm definately not an expert but the first CD project I was involved in we recorded it digital then mixed it to analog. It gave the whole thing a warm analog sound while we were able to retain the advantages of digital. Today the advantages are even more as a lot of editing and "fixing" can be done on the computer. I think you are right in saying that a lot of it is in the person you go with more than whether it is analog or digital. The mic used means a lot, the mic placement means a lot, the mixing means a lot... all things gained from experience. Good luck!!