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There are still those of us who like to play CDs!
A reader of <A HREF="http://blog.stereophile.com/stephenmejias/love_comes_close_again/#COMMEN... blog</A> states: "Vinyl-download bundles are a complete win-win for me, and I would choose the bundle over a CD every time." How about you? Would you prefer a vinyl-download bundle to the CD release of an album?
This isn't 1985 anymore, with LP mastering a mature (meaning well-developed, not old-fashioned) technology and CD in its infancy. Current CD mastering technology (when used properly) is superb and CD still has all of the inherent advantages over LP that caused it to capture the market in the first place. All that's changed is the record labels' loss of absolute control over the means of production. (It's obvious why they like the idea of a return to vinyl.) I still don't want to deal with stylus angle, heavy marble slabs for a turntable to sit on, record wear, and all of the rest.
Beats me how "vinyl-download bundles" are a win-win. How is a download file attractive to a vinyl addict? How is a large plastic disc of interest to a geek who strives to extract the very best from a bunch of bits? I think the population of audiophiles turning to digital until they can afford a turntable is one—SM. Gimme studio master quality downloads of great music!
It doesn't matter. It's all the same 0s and 1s. While I like to have a physical CD most of the time, not all CDs are worth having. In this case, it's nice to be able to pick and choose specific songs. If we're strictly talking about an entire compilation, then I definitely prefer a CD, even with one costing a bit more than a download. It makes me feel I've actually gotten something for my money. It also provides me with a back-up in the event of a storage device failure.
This is a great option, in my opinion. I get a vinyl copy to spin at home and a digital version for my iPod, so I can listen in my car, at work, or at the gym. I don't like when they transfer the digital version from a scratchy LP. Beck did this with his last album (Modern Guilt). I think that's a little silly.
Hello, If it's not in 5.1 surround (any format!), I'm really not interested. Previous to hi-rez audio, I purchased 100+ Japanese Import CDs a year. Now, it's way less than five. My gain all the way! I still have my 250 Japanese import LP stash in storage waiting for a good home. Thanks.
Why is Stereophile so obsessed with downloads, computer servers, and hi-rez lately? I don't like what I'm hearing, and in some cases, reading in Stereophile. Stereophile used to be about cutting-edge high-end audio, not about passing fads. What gives?