For what it may be worth.

[gene_stl]

How to survive the inevitable CD revival | Engadget

Compact Discs are making a comeback, kinda.

www.engadget.com

 

[Mr. Afternoon]

How to survive the inevitable CD revival | Engadget

Compact Discs are making a comeback, kinda.

www.engadget.com

I saw this article earlier today.
Let's just say my suspicious meter went off the charts seeing the headline.

 

[gene_stl]

3 Trends That Prove CDs are Making a Comeback

By breaking down Discogs data from the last five years, it's easy to see how artists, fans, and record labels have kept the CD alive.

blog.discogs.com

 

[Sonik Wiz]

3 Trends That Prove CDs are Making a Comeback

By breaking down Discogs data from the last five years, it's easy to see how artists, fans, and record labels have kept the CD alive.

blog.discogs.com

When CD's came out it was noted that analog gramophone type records had reached the 100 year mark for that technology. Then when DVD-Audio was emerging it was noted that CD's had only reached their 10th anniversary. It was supposed to replace the CD. How did that turn out? When Best Buy dropped CD's from their stores I was disappointed. Maybe now they stock vinyl LP's but I don't know since it's been years I've walked into a BB store. I know Target still sells CD's but I only know that peripherally as I glance at that section when I walk in. I don't look for music there.

As I mentioned elsewhere with some tinnitus, threshold deficit and high end roll off I probably have 10 bit ears. So CD, if recorded & mastered properly, still sound great to me.

 

[gene_stl]

don't underestimate your earz. (or as Captain Kirk once said in a Mad Magazine parody, "I can't believe your ears either Mr. Spook!")

 

[marcb]

3 Trends That Prove CDs are Making a Comeback

By breaking down Discogs data from the last five years, it's easy to see how artists, fans, and record labels have kept the CD alive.

blog.discogs.com

Talk about a headline in search of a narrative.

They’re using the secondary market (specifically Discogs) as a barometer for CD enthusiasm? First of all, it could just signify increased use of Discogs. Second, sales on the secondary market is basically a zero sum game. It could mean there is increased enthusiasm or it could mean waning enthusiasm. In lieu of any info about average sales prices (which is probably not inadvertent because if it was favorable it would likely be included to support the narrative), a dispassionate observer would conclude it is just as likely (if not moreso) that people are unloading CDs cheaply in a declining market more than buying them because of increased enthusiasm for the format.

The better barometer is sales of new CDs. That went up slightly in 2021 from 2020 - simply returning to 2019‘s level - but it remains to be seen whether that was really a trend or a temporary perturbation due to covid. The fact of the matter is new CD sales are still about 5% of what they were in 2000.

 

[tarkusnj]

Then when DVD-Audio was emerging it was noted that CD's had only reached their 10th anniversary.

DVD-Audio came out in 1992? I must have missed that. I only bought my first DVD-Audio disc in 2000.

 

[JediJoker]

DVD-Audio came out in 1992? I must have missed that. I only bought my first DVD-Audio disc in 2000.

It definitely did not. The DVD itself didn't enter production until 1996 (in Japan; '97 U.S., '98 Europe, '99 Oz/NZ). DVD-A specifications were finalized in '99 and the first discs were available starting in 2000. So, the CD was actually closer to 20 years old rather than 10 (18, to be precise).

 

[4-earredwonder]

Well, I believe we ALL can agree that RBCD Hardware has improved immeasurably since those first CD spinners hit the market. No more JITTER and other anomalies associated with those early players.

As for modern disc replication ..... I'm always wary of over compressed discs, most especially Rock/Heavy Metal and try to read reviews before purchasing. I do notice that if you're a jazz or classical buff, those discs are less likely to be compressed and of course those boutique companies like Rubellan Masters do a yeoman's job of replicating RBCDs with copious bonus tracks.

I do find it 'amusing' that RBCDs still list for $14~16 when for that same $$$$ I can purchase SACDs, BD~As and/or UHD4K films!

 

[gene_stl]

The google algorithm seems to know I like CDs. Canadian news video from 1986.

 

[gene_stl]

 

[4-earredwonder]

TMI.... Google would never say that.

Lest you forget, SW, YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU WANT AT

 

[Sonik Wiz]

Lest you forget, SW, YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU WANT AT

Correction: You can't always get what you want, but maybe sometimes you can get what you need.

 

[Sonik Wiz]

Correction: You can't always get what you want, but maybe sometimes you can get what you need.

Yeah Sonik. That was a pretty poor informal quote. If I do say so myself.

 

[gene_stl]

Ableton Live co-creator Robert Henke says that it’s time to stop pressing vinyl and “fully embrace CDs”

“Compact disc, you are underrated and you will always have a place in my heart”

www.musicradar.com

Gotta love that goog algorithm