Are music servers the future?

In a recent Stereophile, they argue that streaming audio is the wave but high definition seems way into the future. Also, what is available for streaming, is unlikely to satisfy the tastes of many listeners. I would much rather have 700 of my preferred discs or high definition downloads.

"Also, what is available for streaming, is unlikely to satisfy the tastes of many listeners. "

Do you have any numbers to support that?

High res streaming from internet sources these days still is not even CD quality technically, but the actual results can be surprisingly good, at least for the kinds of music most people listen to, maybe even more.

Plus there are many excellent solutions for streaming over a home network these days.

Hard core audiophiles are a fringe group that are the hardest to please. But frankly, if music streaming is done right, be the source on the local network or even external via internet, the results are very good, better possible than what 99% of teh people out there might have hard to-date otherwise.

It's definitely to the point where any serious lover of music and good sound should consider giving it a try. Plus, it will only continue to get better over time.

No, unless iTunes gets into the business.

You could be just as well talking about:
Stereo recording
Solid state amps
Quadraphonic records
8 Track tape
Cassette tape
Digital FM
Etc.

Only time will tell.

Mapman, no I don't have any figures, Stereophile, if I recall does have figures about its growth. I am reconciled to realize that modern culture has passed me by. I cannot stand most modern music. I deliberately did not quantify my statement.

I am listening now to double DSD from my server. Of course listening to 44.1 at double DSD upsampling moves the filter dramatically upward revealing much heretofore unheard realism. And SACDs if they are real upgrades, are outstanding.