What a sad world we now live in.......

I still miss the days when one could go to Barnes & Noble. I could spend hours going through their CDs at their listening stations. It's one thing to be able to go online and listen to a 40 sec sample and scroll down to see half a dozen "also bought by" recommendations that amount to a waste once you've tried them, and having dozens of CDs right at your fingertips. 

Something would always catch your eye and next thing you know, you're deep into another genre of music. It's the way I'm wired and used to. I might be a digital guy when it comes to format, but I'm an analog guy when it comes to the senses: having them all work in conjunction to arrive at a destination. Seeing, touching and listening.

And like uberwaltz has pointed out, the CD format has a lot of life left in it. Just check out the reviews of the latest stereo show and CDs are back in a big way. That, and they sound as good, if not better, and with less hassle, than streaming.

All the best,
Nonoise

1999 ~ 939 million physical CD shipments in the U.S.
2000 ~ 942 million physical CD shipments in the U.S.

2017 ~ 88 million physical CD shipments in the U.S.
2018 ~ 52 million physical CD shipments in the U.S.

[courtesy statista.com]

the CD format has a lot of life left in it

Where's the life??? I do not remember the last time I physically saw someone (a real life non-audiophile human) spinning a disc (Mobile/Portable or at home).

Is no one 'sad' for the tens of billions of polycarbonate plastic CD cases and mixed material polycarbonate, aluminium, etc. CDs (both with low recycling potential) out in the world wilds?

Impressive stats David .... Or depressive depending on your viewpoint.

I am quite happy to help some of those billions of silver discs find a new home and life.

I understand that CD's are yesterday's news.  The realization that it was all coming to an end, for me, came awhile ago.  The closing of Tower Records.

Stats can be misleading. How many audiophiles are still buying CDs compared to the general public, who'll buy whatever is the most convenient format?

I would venture a guess that the number is close to a constant in the highest and lowest estimates of who's buying CDs. 

At least I am. 😄

All the best,
Nonoise