CD no more produced?
No. You can still get CDs on line at places like Amazon. Even brand new bands are releasing CDs. Used CDs are the best deals in music (that you own) and are available in vast selections on eBay etc. I’ve probably purchased 50 CDs in the last 6 months and average price is around $4-5. This is for specific recording whose sound quality I have researched. New CDs from Amazon run around $12. HD Track downloads are about $17-25 dollars and don’t sound any better to me. I pay for low-res streaming through Amazon to research music and when I find something I like I buy a used CD off eBay and rip it into my music server (an old iMac). This way I get the best of both worlds very cheaply. I can run it all from my chair via Apple Remote and I have the hard copies for back up. |
@n80, good plan. I've built up a good Redbook playback. May I suggest looking at Discogs for the best quality used CD's. There is reference material relating to date and country of pressing, record label, original issues, early pressings, remasters. You never know what version you'll get with Amazon venders. |
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One of the best source of CD is https://www.oldies.com/ With clearance sale, I bought more than 200 new CDs from them paying 700$ last 2 months. I had enjoyed lot of musical, old rock, soundtrack bought from there. Thomas |
@lowrider57 , appreciate the reference to Discogs. For some reason I assumed they were vinyl only. Also, when I said Amazon (for used) that was a misprint and I corrected it to say eBay. Not every seller on eBay includes the various codes and numbers for a Cd but most do and most show images of the case and CD itself so you can tell what you're getting. I think the eBay advantage is that most of these sellers do not know if what they have is a good recording or not so there is no price inflation. Now, if you're looking for rare stuff, Japanese releases etc then the prices are high. When buying a CD from a new artist or release you don't have a lot of options. And I know this is a dead horse that has been beaten repeatedly but most new CD releases are DR compressed/loud. But, there is no way around it if you want the CD and even if you want a hi-res download, stream or vinyl of the same album they are as likely as not to be just as compressed as the CD. The point being, it is problem across the board, not just with CDs. |
Best source for CD(s) and virtually all digital media can be found at https://www.secondspin.com/. I most definitely agree that commercial CD(s) are much better than any streaming option that I've experienced, especially given all the very effective tweaks that are out there that can make a 'huge' difference in sound quality. |
Just FYI, most thrift stores and consignment stores (even Goodwill stores) stock CDs at cheap prices, usually less than two dollars. I recently found Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Wall” still sealed in plastic, for forty cents each. The selection is not as good as Amazon, but you can’t beat the price. |
I am using my Oppo 203 for both CD playback and as a DAC for Qobuz via Roon. To my ears I cant tell the difference, if streaming file is same resolution as CD at a minimum, should there be a difference with same DAC in play ? I have been happy with the quality, purchased a NAS drive with intent to rip CD's to my own drive, but fail to see the point if I can stream at same quality. As many have stated I suppose different discs/releases may differ in quality and therefore not always apples to apples. I have experimented and been exposed to so much new music via streaming I cant give it up. |
Not sure where murgeshj lives but in Canada and USA the latest music releases on CD format are still sold at major retail outlets like Wal Mart and Best Buy. However it is true that with the rising popularity of streaming audio listening people are also abandoning their CD collections thus there are huge bargains to be had for past CD titles at second-hand thrift stores for $1 to $2, often in mint condition. |
anthonymaw ... in Canada and USA the latest music releases on CD format are still sold at major retail outlets like Wal Mart and Best Buy ...When was the last time you were in Best Buy? My local Best Buys haven't had new CD releases in many, many months. |
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I am located in Thailand, things have changed drastically in past 2 years.No more collections, only audiophiles CD’s in few Audiophile shops.Even the Audiophiles shops the collection is limited. I have seen many comments in this thread, prefer CD sound when compared to Streaming and my opinion is same. It would make sense if Music company’s have their own online shopping we can buy the collections that we need. Not sure in coming years what will be situation? Really appreciate the major brands still release CD players. recently ATC has announced new CD player. |
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I'm able to pick up CD's from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Amoeba and other places. IMO CD;'s represent the best media value out there. A couple of weeks ago I picked up 3 new CD's for under $20. I'm still a fan of physical media and there is something nice about actually owning something that you feel and touch. |
FWIW I have found that researching the CD pressing is important (as others on this thread have mentioned) and that discogs makes that relatively easy. Once I buy the preferred CD pressing I then rip it to a server and the physical copy goes in my collection. I did extensive testing to determine whether I could hear a difference between a ripped CD and the same CD via transport. In my system the difference was easily discernible with the server providing the playback I preferred. But, I hold out with a different transport the results might be different. My server costs many multiples of the transport. The both fed the same DAC. I also agree that CDs are a relative bargain, although preferred pressings command a premium in most cases. |
@astewart8944 , my server is an old iMac. My DAC is a low end piece of Schiit (Modi 2 Uber). When I compare the iMac with an Arcam CD 92 as transport and both run through the same DAC I can hear little or no difference. But, when using the Arcam's DAC (before it died) or even a mid level Toshiba DVD/CD player the CD's sound a little brighter and between the Schiit and a CD played through a CD player's DAC I prefer the CD player but the difference is tiny and usually the convenience of using the iMac/DAC/ Apple Remote wins out. I could certainly spend more on a DAC and a better server and one of these days I probably will but right now I don't feel like I'm missing anything critical and between digging the old iMac out of the basement and buying the Schiit used plus a decent USB cable I'm only out about $150. |
In the next few days or weeks or by the time you read this, Qobuz will be up and running in the US. I was on the beta test and I canceled my Tidal account. Qobuz sounds so much better and if your equipment handles 24/192 you will be very happy with the sound especially if you are a Jazz Fan. There are quite a few 24/192 albums but the older 60s Jazz masters are stunning in their detail. I am not well versed in the numbers lingo of flax 192 etc but I am learning. Even the 44.1 standard sound is far better that Tidals 44.1. How ? That I don’t know. There are 4 levels of sound quality and the highest (35$) will allow you to download hi Rez. As a dedicated streamer, Qobuz is the best sound quality that I have found so far. |
In the next few days or weeks or by the time you read this, Qobuz will be up and running in the US. I was on the beta test and I canceled my Tidal account. Qobuz sounds so much better and if your equipment handles 24/192 you will be very happy with the sound especially if you are a Jazz Fan. There are quite a few 24/192 albums but the older 60s Jazz masters are stunning in their detail. I am not well versed in the numbers lingo of flax 192 etc but I am learning. Even the 44.1 standard sound is far better that Tidals 44.1. How ? That I don’t know. There are 4 levels of sound quality and the highest (35$) will allow you to download hi Rez. As a dedicated streamer, Qobuz is the best sound quality that I have found so far. |
The title of this thread sends shivers to me because I do not want to rely on streaming if I cannot own the music, also streaming can involve more components (eg computer, laptop). To date my music collection is mainly of vinyl and Cds. I listen mainly to ripped Cds, radio, internet radio and roam freely in Youtube to discover new music. What I want to ask the forum with streaming method can I still own music? I don't mind venturing into streaming if I can purchase and own the music espescially Hi Res recordings. If it means something like direct debit payments for eternal music choices which I will not own then thats defnitely not for me. So far cds have served me admirably, they sound good on my system and even good on my car audio. Even my friend who uses blank cds to record music on his laptop sound so good on my car radio! Ofcourse it depends how that music was recorded onto the cd. At this present moment via various sources I still can obtain Cds of artists new and old (fingers crossed!) and I hope various music formats will exist in the future and not just streaming. |
I’m streaming via Sonos and using the optical in to my Vincent sv-237mk amp’s dac and it sounds amazing. I have Tidal and Apple Music and Apple Music sounds better than title. Compression is different so the numbers dont mean the same thing. However, in blind tests everyone hears an improvement via Apple Music. Some recordings Tidal sounds better but that is rare. If anyine thinks I can get noticeably better sound I’m open to hearing it. |
The sooner you stop buying CD's and start downloading and streaming the better off you'll be. Properly configured, with like processing, your TIDAL streaming service should out perform your compact discs. Downloading music from sources such as HDTracks also offers the opportunity for better sound. Physical media, both audio and video, is quickly going the way of the buggy whip. |
If Tidal doesn’t sound exactly like a seedee in your rig, something is definitely amiss if you have the 20/month hi-if subscription. It should and does in my system. As a side note, our local Barnes and noble completely did away with all cds. Only a few records left. Toys and games fill the space that was allotted to cds. Oz |
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I HAVE HAD AN ACCOUNT WITH " THE ELUSIVE DISC " IN CHICAGO FOR YEARS. elusivedisc.com THEY HAVE A FANTASTIC SELECTION OF C.D'S AND S.A.C.D.'S XRCD'S AND ALL KINDS OF AUDIOPHILE RECORDINGS ON DISC AND L.P. THE SERVICE IS GREAT IF YOU LIKE JAZZ TRY mackavenue.com A DETROIT BASED COMPANY ( JUST GOT CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE " BRINGIN IT " FROM MACK AVE. AND IT IS GREAT , HIGH QUALITY RECORDING TOO. RHINO RECORDS HAS EVERY CLASSIC ROCK AND OLDIES ON C.D. EVERYTHING ELSE ON AMAZON OR E BAY GOOD LUCK ! |
I cannot believe that no one has mentioned how incredibly valuable our public libraries are for obtaining CDs for ripping! I drive my kids around most weekdays, and routinely stop in to grab 15-20 CDs. I then preview them - all while driving - over the ensuing week. If there is a song on a disc that "does not fit", or that I simply don't like, I make a note to stick in the jewel box to say "No--#4". This way I have customized recordings. I take the CDs into the house and rip to my desktop computer via iTunes whenever I have one or two reviewed. Every month or two, I will back-up/transfer to my Melco NAS. Free music! I have ripped over a thousand CDs in the past three years! And every large city will have at least 3-4 different libraries....I switch libraries each time after-school activities change venues! |
Motörhead - like you I deal with Elusive Disk, however they are in Anderson Indiana (near Indianapolis). Thrilft store are a good source if you have time to sift through, otherwise the industry has just about completed morphing to the online model. Question for you Tidal streaming guys.... if old CDs had less compression and the new copies have been heavily compressed, can you pick the release and know you are get one with some DR left on it? |
I have ripped all my collections(about 500) to PC(use it for DAP), however prefer CD media , feel somewhat natural on CD than playing through PC+DAC, but the difference is not immediate, takes while to know the difference. The question is the latest albums are released on CD's or we have to rely/depend on Streaming?If Streaming is only the way to access the latest albums then we are on streaming companies mercy. Maybe I haven't tried Hi-end streaming( above USD3K), later down the road will try. The reason we don't have local sales of CD is because of online stuff, for average person needs are satisfied by online contents. |
Question for you Tidal streaming guys.... if old CDs had less compression and the new copies have been heavily compressed, can you pick the release and know you are get one with some DR left on it? In the rock genre, Tidal has a deep catalogue but most of it is the remastered versions of albums/songs. Deezer has a very good rock selection and offers the original flat digital transfers (same as early CDs) in addition to the remasters. The albums are clearly marked as remastered, the originals have their date of release. And it's a pleasure to hear music that doesn't suffer from high compression. Although, not all recordings from those days are of the highest quailty. |
Hi Murgesh, from your note it is not clear whether you downloaded your music in a compressed format or uncompressed. Writing music in digital format back to a CD is a step backwards in the sense that the CD is a combination mechanical and digital device. Like it or not the way of the future is home media servers, which can be as simple as a USB thumb drive connected to your home router sharing your media files in all possible available formats over your home network to network connected devices. This can be a Fire TV, android box or similar with optical or coax digital connections. I use an Asus router, with a 256 GB USB thumb drive containing my original ripped CDs in VAW (uncompressed) format, streaming to a fire TV which is connected through optical connection to NAD digital amplifier, using Triangle speakers as Analog to digital converter’s. The best sounding system I have ever had for a cost under $2000. |
Here is a retailer selling cd's/vinyl. Probably not music for the slippers and pipe brigade though. https://www.isotank.com/ |
i Murgesh, from your note it is not clear whether you downloaded your music in a compressed format or uncompressed. Writing music in digital format back to a CD is a step backwards in the sense that the CD is a combination mechanical and digital device.Downloaded music is Flac form. Yes, there is lots of convenience when we rip\download all our music to USB drive. Yes, future is streaming, since I am old school guy, feel better with CD's, sameway others will feel Vinly is good for them. My question again, are the latest albums are available on CD? |
Here is a retailer selling cd's/vinyl.Thanks |
@gawdbless stereotypes can be dangerous. I can often be found smoking a pipe (quality tobacco blend, Holy City) and wearing slippers while listening to the Butthole Surfers or Jane's Addiction. ;-) Someone mentioned HD Tracks as an alternative to CDs. I've purchased one album from them. I did this for two reasons: 1) There was a discount offer and 2) The album I wanted was Gary Clark Jr's first album the CD of which is overly compressed. The HD Tracks version was little less compressed and higher resolution than the CD. I don't think the resolution makes that much difference to be honest but the lower degree of compression did. Having said that, even with the discount the album was around $17 whereas a used CD would be about $5 or $6. As far as I am concerned HD Tracks simply isn't worth the money even for a marginally better recording.If it is a far superior recording then maybe. Plus, if you lose the file or it is damaged you're out of luck. They do not 'keep' your purchases for you the way Apple does. Backup is critical. |
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@tparr said: "I was in the habit at one time of going into the streaming services such as iTunes or Spotify not to stream the music but only to discover new music, and when I came across something I liked, I'd then check the used CDs on Amazon to get the physical CD. " That's the only thing I use streaming for. And its a good resource. I use eBay rather than Amazon though. Will look into some of the other CD sources mentioned here as well. |
