Are CD players dead

Look at it this way. 78 RPM records were generation 1 of mass recorded and marketed media. 331/3 lps generation 2.

CDs generation 3.

Most innovations start to get it mostly right usually about the third time around. CDs get it mostly right (except for the confounded packaging they come in which continues to mostly s---).

Downloading and computer audio is phase 4 which consists of mostly new ways of delivering and playing digital including introduction of higher res formats (hi res is still gen 1 so expect kinks for awhile as I alluded to earlier) and music servers.

A better vision for phase 5 is what I think we are all trying to imagine (except Pettyofficer who believes there is a conspiracy to prevent that).

Of course they are dead. If any of you want to ensure your player receives a proper burial, send them to me. MSRP of 2000 dollars and above only

Apple itunes, Amazon mp3s and file sharing are replacing cds for mainstream music listeners.

The remaining two large record labels could care less about the miniscule audiophile market. Let's hope HD Tracks succeeds and even gets some competition.

I hear you, Mapman-Devilboy! Any conversation about CD Players always includes an Ultimatum about the CD Format as
opposed to Computer Downloading. CDs are prematurely
disappearing rapidly! Would like to go Computer Audio all of the way-just not sure if many Remastered CDs will be
available for Ripping a year from now. Many have to be
special ordered Today! Your moving too fast on CD Format before Downloading Format has been established. Ultimatum
means ending CD Format before Download Format begins. Mother Nature abhores a vacuum! It wont help either Format!

"CDs are prematurely
disappearing rapidly! "

I think a lot of this is a result of teh music market being saturated more than anything specific to CDs other than they are the current format most impacted, especially by new major pieces of the pie like internet radio, and even used CDS that basically sound as good as new indefinitely and do not have to be replaced (unlike worn records). Plus all the other non audio entertainment available (all via digital mostly mind you) these days. How much time does anybody really have to watch and listen to all that stuff? I chose to mostly listen when I do have time. I am literally drowning in new music to listen to these days and it will surely take me years to just catch up if I never bought another new CD again, which I still do on occasion, but frankly most of my "new" music purchases are used CDs. I also download a pop/rock mp3 from amazon on occasion. I view that as the modern equivalent of buying a 45 rpm single back when I was a kid and starting my record collection. I've always liked having the option of buying singles and not albums when I like a particular track.