Records and CDs

I split my listening time between vinyl, CD, and digital (high-res files and streaming service like Spotify and Radio Paradise) and the sound quality varies greatly depending on the year something was originally issued and the specific medium, or the original master recording source (tape vs digital). Heck I have new records where the digital version is better (cleaner and more detailed and revealing) than the same album pressed on brand-new vinyl. I have recordings by artists whose catalog was predominately issued on CD and only now are being "remastered" for vinyl reissues.

When I go to my local record store and I'm looking for new-to-me jazz/funk/R&B records I tend towards the used vinyl vs the new re-issues will most likely not be great and have less dynamic range.  Heck, even the mid-80s 'cheap' reissues of jazz, blues, and R&B are closer to the original master tapes than today's reissues, and often the used copies sound way better.

For newer electronic and ambient artists, most are releasing only high-res digital files, CDs and maybe special vinyl pressings. I tend to stick to digital files with a preference for CDs because I like having the physical package and the SQ of the CDs on my system sound great.

I don't lean strongly towards one medium or the other as I buy music that is important to me personally for my collection. For everyday background listening with the family, it's strictly streaming. I use RP and Spotify as "new music to me" sources as well. I can dig deep into an artist's catalog without the expense of trying to buy every release.

At the end of the day, listening enjoyment and getting the most out of my collection is what it is all about and seeking out the best recording version is what I try to do without bias towards one medium or another. 

@rvpiano 

+1 on the Blue Note label. My Herbie Hancock album that I used to AB vinyl to streaming was the Blue Note version. Great pressing. 

As @benanders points out, the comparison can be invalidated just by the difference between the masters. You just don’t know what version the streaming services have. Most of the time it isn’t the same. Pressing itself matters even if it’s the same master. There are so many variables there’s just no way to win for either of the formats. 

As a side note, I have two different versions of “Kind of Blue” on vinyl, one is MoFi  and another is Analog Productions UHQR. They sound completely different and the digital version on Qobuz sounds nothing like either of the records. Even DSD doesn’t sound like the MoFi version even though now we know that MoFi vinyl is really the same DSD master….it’s a funny game…

My vinyl purchases nowadays are pretty much limited to Jazz and classical. Why? Because playing that vinyl forces me to kind of sit down and listen to the whole 20 plus or so minutes of music without skipping around tracks and artists that I do when I stream Tidal. A lot of the newer releases and the course some of the older ones and those genres sound beautiful.

I think vinyl is now just another audio sub-hobby for people wanting to buy equipment and collect vinyl for fun. CD’s are so much easier to use and generally better with no noise.  streaming is becoming such excellent quality and you can listen for hours without having to move (as long as your internet is working). I personally prefer CD’s for sound quality, ease of use, and having to get out of the listening chair periodically!  Maybe goes back to the nostalgia of servicing vinyl in the old days. Whatever floats your boat!