When I'm talking about bite, its not really impact or attack.  In this particular case, I mean that the CD has a different tone due to (afaik) distortion and being recorded 'hot'.  It is a more etched sound.  Grain.  Usually the last thing I want in a recording, but thats part of NIN's charm sometimes.  Its really difficult to pinpoint or describe accurately (at least for me).   
Still, if I could have only one version, it would be the vinyl transfer, no doubt about it.  I forget the origin of my copy of the vinyl transfer, because it was given to me.  From someone possibly reading this very thread