The op asked "Can anyone explain the vinyl renaissance?".
As such, those with existing LP libraries are steady state, so they do not account for the renaissance.
Summarizing, here is my take:
- An alternative the atrocious mastering found on some masters from excessive compression and digital clipping
- Gear heads because some of massive these turntables cool
- Status enhancement
- Personal preference for euphonic and familiar mastering and associated technical limitations
LPs are technically inferior and some supporters have selection bias.
This cannot be selected for by DBT, because anyone with decent hearing could pick the LP version.
It might be fun to take a well recorded dynamic digital recording and apply a and "LP filter" designed to mimic LP mastering and playback.
Tunable parameters include: summing bass, limiting dynamic range, high frequency roll off, wow and flutter, and pops and clicks.
- Rich