Are CD players dead

Pettyofficer: This is just my opinion but....don't confuse the "death of cd players" with the "death of cds". Don't assume that the only way people get music into their computers is via downloading. We don't need cd players, we just need the cds themselves to burn into the hard drive of the computer. So, to hell with the cd player, as long as their are cds around to burn into my computer, I'm happy.

Agree with Devilboy.

Will something to replace CDs for this eventually? Probably. Not sure what it will be though and it could be awhile.

331/3 lps were around about 30 years before CDs did them in for the most part. CDs will probably be around somewhat longer, and whatever replaces that somewhat longer still, etc.

That's progress, FBOFW.

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.