bitflipper
Even if it was comprehensive, it wouldn't be by next week.
Indeed, it would be quite a task just to keep this list up to date. Which it surely isn't -- missing is my favorite native emulation of the Neve 1073, Sonimus' Burnley 73. Also I don't get why UAD is excluded, despite the need for extra DSP. Analog modeling of vintage gear is their bread and butter, and they're widely acknowledged as a leader in this area. It wouldn't be hard to add them to the list either, as nearly all have the original hardware names right on their photorealistic GUIs. :-)
bitflipper
Honestly, I don't get the fascination with accurate emulations of vintage hardware. The vast majority of consumers who'd be buying them have never used the original devices, and probably never will.
I think you just answered the question right there. Those who have never had the chance to work with the original gear, but wish they could, can nowadays get much of the same sound quality via these bits of software. It's pretty amazing, isn't it?
bitflipper
Is it just the cachet of being associated with their favorite classic records? Do you buy a Fairchild emulation just because they used one on Ringo's drums? Perhaps on the presumption that it's the only way to get that sound?
Won't speak for everyone, but I buy these things simply because they sound good and/or help achieve the sound I'm after on a particular track, which may involve "vintage" qualities. Case in point: the new UAD AKG BX20 plugin -- if there's another way to get that same rich, dense, spring verb sound ITB, I'd love to hear about it. None of my other verb plugs has matched it yet.
bitflipper
I'm waiting for an accurate emulation of a wire recorder.
Hey, now that might sound cool. :-)
Cheers,
Eddie