Here's a blind test for you, this is PRE mastering, no use of analogue in the mix except for summing. One has been summed digitally, one has had the main subgroups summed in analogue (using an SPL MixDream XP).

A: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_ptf08bafFwTjhaNGF6bU1yUUk/view?usp=sharing
B: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_ptf08bafFwNFpsZUtWdUpib2M/view?usp=sharing

I know I hear the difference, and the two definitely do not phase cancel, not by a long shot. Which is which?

Thanks for this comparison. The difference is that small to me, I know I never have to care about analog anymore. The difference isn't worth the investment for a hobbyist.

Bear in mind that's only summing, the differences become more noticeable with additional processing, but you're absolutely right: as a hobbyist it's not worth the money to invest in that type of gear yourself. As a professional studio charging for services then it is, and you as the hobbyist can always pay a small amount to that professional studio for mixing or mastering and get the benefits without having to buy the gear yourself.