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Balancing time for music: Discovery/acquisition vs. listening

I have limited time to devote to my music/audio hobby.  I love listening to music on my server whenever I get a chance (and this is listening as a destination activity).  But I am also aware there is an incredible amount of music out there to be discovered.  Liking many different genres only expands the music I want to discover.  So, I have to decide how best to use my time:  Listening, or discovery/acquisition.  I discover music largely via internet radio (nearly infinite choices).  I acquire it through a variety of means, from recording music from various sources to buying CDs on line or visiting record shows.  But every minute spent adding music to my collection is a minute spent not listening to music on my system.  What to do?  What do you do?  I know many will suggest Tidal as a way to eliminate the acquisition phase, but I am reluctant to pay a monthly fee, and I have been able to stump Tidal when I have had access to it (stump it, meaning I was able to find music not offered on Tidal - mostly obscure stuff, but, there you go).  I'd appreciate any input you can give me on how you handle this dilemma.  TIA!
bondmanp
gnostalgick
88 posts
 
If I had to choose only one, I'd pick Spotify over Tidal in a heartbeat. It has about 90% of what I search for (Tidal has maybe 66%), and--as long as you use it consistently--its really good at recommending new artists. I'd drop Tidal, but its still cheaper than buying all the releases I like.
loomisjohnson
1,963 posts
 
if, as you suggest, your main objective is to most efficiently discover music (as opposed to collecting discs, achieving the best possible sound, etc.), i'd opt for spotify premium--it has the largest library, excellent recommendation software and very streamlined interface. granted, tidal sounds better  (though for me it wasn't a night-and-day improvement), but spotify is much better than mp3 quality and works with many more devices.
bondmanp OP
1,824 posts
 

Thanks, Loomis.  I am not ruling out a streaming service, but I am indeed a collector of music - CDs & LPs.  Also, I have no economical way of streaming in the car, and I drive a lot each day.  The car is a very imperfect environment for music listening, but I have a decent car stereo, and I really enjoy listening to CDs on my commute (my older system has no auxiliary input or USB slot).  So, I lean towards collecting physical media.  I know, the 20th Century just called, and it wants its media back.  I'm old.


jafant's avatar
jafant
19,966 posts
 
bondmanp-

check out NPR both on-line and in your car on commute. It is a free and easy way to discover new music.

I am an avid collector of CD & SACD as well.
bondmanp OP
1,824 posts
 

Thanks, jafant.  But if I am flying down the Garden State Parkway at 70 mph and I hear a song I want to add to my collction, what would I do?  Too dangerous.  Years ago, I heard my first The Sundays song on the car radio.  I had to pull over to write it down.  I can't really do that most of the time.

I have other issues with NPR, too, although they are not relevent to this thread.

But I will say that internet radio has been a fantastic source for discovering new music.  I was just listening to Call Me Kat on my way to work today, just one of dozens of internet radio discoveries.

More to discover