CDs are in every way better than vinyl records. They are smaller, much higher quality audio, lower noise floor and don’t wear out by being played. The fact that CD sales are behind vinyl is a sign that the world has gone mad. The fact you can rip and stream your own CD media is fantastic because generally remasters are not good and streaming services typically only have remastered versions, not originals. You have no control on streaming services about what version of an album you’re served or whether it’ll still be there tomorrow. Not an issue with physical media.
The vast majority of people listen to music using equipment that produces audio of poor quality, especially those that stream using ear buds. It makes me very sad when people don’t care that what they’re listening to could sound so much better, especially if played through a hifi from a CD player, or using half decent (not beats) headphones.
There’s plenty of good sounding and well produced music out there, but it’s typically played back through the equivalent of two cans and some string. I’m not sure people remember how good good music can sound when played back through good kit.
Why would i not preserve all the audio though?
Preservation is a different beast and not something most people concern themselves with. If you keep your music on your computer/mobile then that space becomes a bigger issue unless you keep externals or don’t have that much music.
Storage capacity will keep getting cheaper and more reliable; a lot is invested on that horse. Preserving the audio will always be the best bet for the future!
Without a doubt. As I said in another comment, anytime I get a new record in the mail I immediately clean it thoroughly and then digitize the contents. I then cut it into “sides“ and exported as wav, FLAC, and 128kbps mp3.
It’s like my own little hobbyist archival project. It’s very fun and i get to take my records “on the road“ with me! I host them on my Plex server
With displays getting cheaper and bendable, batteries and energy being more efficient, etc… For the vinyl lovers on this thread, imagine having the art displayed on color accurate screens dedicated for it (can show lyrics, and other “extras” you like as well). Having access to it globally with the best quality possible without transporting basically anything. The future is 1000% this and it is awesome!
You get it