I listened to my independent radio station (WPRB) to discover new music, streaming to sample the artists other work and then buy the physical media if I really like it.
It wasn't that long ago that I would totally agree with you in regard to physical media never being absolute, but my view of the future of music listening has changed. Those of us with a considerable collection of physical media, Lps, CDs, tapes, and wax cylinders, will more than likely hold onto our collections and even add to them with cost and space the main considerations. Anyone else not so "invested" in the physical media will, more than likely, go the streaming only route. I have invested a considerable amount of money in my streaming option to my hi-fi rig. I also have a pretty good investment in vinyl playback, but I listen to more streamed music for convenience and variety. All the shortcomings to streaming you described are real for many people but with better internet bandwidth (read service), home servers and improvements to digital playback(better dacs, etc.), streaming will be how most people will listen to music in the near future. For most people hearing streaming hd music is there first exposure to high-end sound. That all being said, I do agree we should be at least mindful of the benefits of having YOUR media and relish that fact. A fair analogy I think, is doing away with printed media, in particular books, and everyone reading off of their phones, tablets, laptops or TV's. Unfortunately, I am guilty having of this having cancelled my "analog" newspaper for the digital version! Be well and stay well. Happy Listening!
Very good points made and I have to agree with you about streaming and mp3s, although it can be a useful income for artists. Vinyl has made a big comeback here in the UK and I have all my music on CD collected since I was 16 and now I am 53!
I value my physical music collection. I am however considering a streamer to add to my hi-fi stereo rig simply because of the convenience. I would have to subscribe to a streaming service while trying to maintain a budget on fixed income in retirement. Trying to not incur any more monthly financial obligations. Plus I’d have to purchase a streamer. I have enough music I own to do without a streamer. I can see a streamer saving money by option of previewing music before purchasing. I’ve eliminated many CDs I thought of buying, but decided to not buy after auditioning through sister’s steaming device. 🎶
I stream from Spotify in the car over bluetooth as its far safer then changing CD's while driving. At home i listen to CD's on a proper hifi. The one thing i do like about streaming services is being able to listen to an album first and if i like it i buy it.
In my experience with streaming I'm enjoying all the new music in the world that I don't have. Also most of the music is better sounding than older cds.
My Hotel California vinyl cover just beats a " title " on a screen. The digital copying issue, do it the old analogue way. Pre amp out into tape or a digital recorder.
Streaming is easy (idiotfriendly) and cheap. Just imagine how many variables you have in a turntable. First you have to have a good turntable - that's a grand or two. Then the cartridge - it costs a lot of money and it wears out. Then the cost of an LP - compared to a CD it's very expensive. Then the right weight. Then it's cleaning and dusting. Then the LP itself wears out as you listen to it, etc, etc. So much to consider and that could spoil the sound. I'd rather listen to a "vinyl RIP" on YT if I want the "vinyl sound", they are pretty good at that. CDs - the same story but less hassle. But you need a quality CD player. CD Walkman or CD boombox won't do the trick because they have so much jitter and awful DACs. Even middle class players play mediocre. So, you need a high-end player. And not so many can afford such a player, especially the young folk. Unless they have a boomer relative to inherit. 😋 But I generally agree - it's a good thing to have physical media and not get tracked all the time. Plus, when the Internet goes down, you won't be bored to death but have some music to listen to. 😁 However streaming, as I said, is so easy and user-friendly. And you get tons of music for your buck. If only one has the time to listen. 😘
Please keep comments civil. Comments with links will be removed
I listened to my independent radio station (WPRB) to discover new music, streaming to sample the artists other work and then buy the physical media if I really like it.
It wasn't that long ago that I would totally agree with you in regard to physical media never being absolute, but my view of the future of music listening has changed. Those of us with a considerable collection of physical media, Lps, CDs, tapes, and wax cylinders, will more than likely hold onto our collections and even add to them with cost and space the main considerations.
Anyone else not so "invested" in the physical media will, more than likely, go the streaming only route. I have invested a considerable amount of money in my streaming option to my hi-fi rig. I also have a pretty good investment in vinyl playback, but I listen to more streamed music for convenience and variety. All the shortcomings to streaming you described are real for many people but with better internet bandwidth (read service), home servers and improvements to digital playback(better dacs, etc.), streaming will be how most people will listen to music in the near future. For most people hearing streaming hd music is there first exposure to high-end sound. That all being said, I do agree we should be at least mindful of the benefits of having YOUR media and relish that fact.
A fair analogy I think, is doing away with printed media, in particular books, and everyone reading off of their phones, tablets, laptops or TV's. Unfortunately, I am guilty having of this having cancelled my "analog" newspaper for the digital version! Be well and stay well. Happy Listening!
Thanks Bruce
Love it all but I really love going to the record store great video
I’m with you on that one.
Very good points made and I have to agree with you about streaming and mp3s, although it can be a useful income for artists. Vinyl has made a big comeback here in the UK and I have all my music on CD collected since I was 16 and now I am 53!
I value my physical music collection. I am however considering a streamer to add to my hi-fi stereo rig simply because of the convenience. I would have to subscribe to a streaming service while trying to maintain a budget on fixed income in retirement. Trying to not incur any more monthly financial obligations. Plus I’d have to purchase a streamer. I have enough music I own to do without a streamer. I can see a streamer saving money by option of previewing music before purchasing. I’ve eliminated many CDs I thought of buying, but decided to not buy after auditioning through sister’s steaming device. 🎶
I use streaming to preview a cd I want as well. I mostly use for background music. I too am retired as well
I stream from Spotify in the car over bluetooth as its far safer then changing CD's while driving. At home i listen to CD's on a proper hifi. The one thing i do like about streaming services is being able to listen to an album first and if i like it i buy it.
It's all about the vibe!
In my experience with streaming I'm enjoying all the new music in the world that I don't have. Also most of the music is better sounding than older cds.
Agree completely.
My Hotel California vinyl cover just beats a " title " on a screen.
The digital copying issue, do it the old analogue way. Pre amp out into tape or a digital recorder.
I so miss album liner notes.
Streaming is easy (idiotfriendly) and cheap. Just imagine how many variables you have in a turntable. First you have to have a good turntable - that's a grand or two. Then the cartridge - it costs a lot of money and it wears out. Then the cost of an LP - compared to a CD it's very expensive. Then the right weight. Then it's cleaning and dusting. Then the LP itself wears out as you listen to it, etc, etc. So much to consider and that could spoil the sound. I'd rather listen to a "vinyl RIP" on YT if I want the "vinyl sound", they are pretty good at that.
CDs - the same story but less hassle. But you need a quality CD player. CD Walkman or CD boombox won't do the trick because they have so much jitter and awful DACs. Even middle class players play mediocre. So, you need a high-end player. And not so many can afford such a player, especially the young folk. Unless they have a boomer relative to inherit. 😋
But I generally agree - it's a good thing to have physical media and not get tracked all the time. Plus, when the Internet goes down, you won't be bored to death but have some music to listen to. 😁
However streaming, as I said, is so easy and user-friendly. And you get tons of music for your buck. If only one has the time to listen. 😘