View Full Version : Do people still buy CD players ...
Still ? If streaming is the way forward will people still CD players ? I like CD's, enjoy the physical side with sleeve notes etc. Do others agree ? Will they still live on with all this lossless music files ? Any thoughts ?
I used to think the end was neigh for CDs but even if most people do now purchase online their is a healthy collection of cds aailable
I always seen CD as fuctional unlike vinyl maybe its a age thing
Reid Malenfant
16-08-2010, 18:22
I'm enjoying the sounds eminating from my system miles too much to even think of ditching CDs.
I honestly don't get how a PC with some manky switching supply (when i say manky i used to build & test good quiet SMPS & they cost a fortune for just 200W ;)) could out perform a well regulated supply in a good transport etc etc...
It's all about convenience imo & making things smaller... Before you know it we'll be living in coffins (weird hotels) like some do in Japan :eyebrows:
I will never stop buying physical media until I am forced into it... With the CD, if I lose a hard drive and then find that both my back ups don't work for some reason, all is not lost. But I always play the CD for proper listening, the lower-quality rip on ipod or background music. As digital storage gets bigger and cheaper I will probably re-rip to a lossless format, but I will I'm sure still play the CDs.
Hi Mark,
I'm enjoying the sounds eminating from my system miles too much to even think of ditching CDs.
Me too! Although I enjoy listening to vinyl even more ;)
I honestly don't get how a PC with some manky switching supply (when i say manky i used to build & test good quiet SMPS & they cost a fortune for just 200W) could out perform a well regulated supply in a good transport etc etc...
That's also my suspicion, and I think it's well founded.
However, what you do achieve with removing the physical interface of a laser trying to accurately read the information on a disc, when streaming music via a computer, is less error (and thus distortion) in that area of the replay chain - and I can easily hear the sonic benefits of this even when compared to what's possible from the best CD transports or CDPs.
The ultimate would probably be a computer music streamer fitted with a top-notch regulated supply, feeding a similarly top-notch DAC :)
It's all about convenience imo & making things smaller...
As far as the mass-market is concerned, that's a fact!
Marco.
Depends on your age. All the teenage kids who *shouldn't* bring personal music players into school have MP3 style units, often built in to phones which they DEFINITELY shouldn't use in the school building - yeah right :(
CD's belong to the 30 pluses I reckon...
The audio market has been shrinking since 1980 or so. CD gave it a much needed boost, but the number of players being sold is apparently falling fast and I believe many of the larger far eastern companies are selling DVD machines.....
I still buy used Cd's from Amazon and fleabay in order to rip lossless. You can get most things pretty cheap these days. There's obviously a huge 2nd hand market of Cd's floating around. The format wont die for a long time yet, but I'd imagine production of CD players will gradually diminish.
Haselsh1
16-08-2010, 18:47
In 2006 I bought a Chinese Original 2008F HDCD CD player for around 300 quid UK money. After a year like most Chinese rubbish it packed up and had to have a UK mains transformer fitted at a cost of around 85 quid. In 2010 I bought a Beresford Caiman so that the Original would become a transport. I still have the Original because like most Chinese gear it looks amazing and it plays CD's very well as a transport. Herein lies the key.
As a CD player it looks stunning in a way that a laptop would just look like a laptop and a desktop would be a joke sat with the Hi-Fi. I have an archive of plastic disks that will always be there unless the house burns down. They will not get destroyed by a small glitch although the longevity of jewel cases is a pain. I have an archive of photographic negatives for the same reason. I still shoot film because I can't just lose the whole lot due to some idiotic glitch.
As long as CD's are available I shall buy them. As long as vinyl is available I shall buy that too. The latest techology is not necessarily the best. It is merely the latest fad.
I see Spur07 is awake and living in the 21st Century ;)
"However, what you do achieve with removing the physical interface of a laser trying to accurately read the information on a disc, when streaming music via a computer, is less error (and thus distortion) in that area of the replay chain - and I can easily hear the sonic benefits of this even when compared to what's possible from the best CD transports or CDPs. "
I would have thought harddrives are prone to error. Only a magnet over a platter. CD's do have error correction built in and generally reliable if treated ok, hold by edges etc.
Surprisingly hard drives either work or they don’t when it comes to sending data by and large.
Some are noisier than others, nothing a well designed Dac or galvanic isolation can’t take care of.
Computer based audio has come a very long way even over the last six months or so.
If you are considering computer based audio it would be worth trying to gain more knowledge about this medium than can probably be gained by asking a few questions on a forum.
There are a number of forums which concentrate on computer audio.
A bit of reading about the capabilities of 16/44 format is also instructive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyquist%E2%80%93Shannon_sampling_theorem
Dan Lavery's paper is also an interesting read as is any information you can find on the recording methods used by the majoriy of studios.
Hi Graham,
I would have thought harddrives are prone to error. Only a magnet over a platter. CD's do have error correction built in and generally reliable if treated ok, hold by edges etc.
I know where you're coming from, but in my experience, most affordable CDPs these days do not have sufficiently good transport mechanisms to retrieve musical information on discs as accurately as a good quality computer streamer, such as a Squeezebox, PS3, or the likes of Linn's DS music servers, would process that information without this physical interface.
I've done the comparison now many times, and even my Sony X-777ES, which contains one of the best and most accurate transport mechanisms ever made, struggles to compete in that area against the above, never mind your average disc spinner these days fitted with a cheap plastic DVD-ROM mechanism, regardless of how efficient the ensuing error correction circuitry is.
That's why many people here, who want top-notch performance from digital, have abandoned CD and gone the streaming route :)
Marco.
Rare Bird
16-08-2010, 20:56
i dislike CD's but CD's are all we have at the moment..
I'm sticking with CDs as I started serious listening to music back in the vinyl days. There was a ritual to placing the album on the turntable and reading the liner notes that I am loathe to give up. Not to mention the lack of lossless downloads of artists I like.
chris@panteg
16-08-2010, 23:57
I'm with you here Bill ' streaming from a DS i have no doubt will sound better ? aguably , but i am stuck in my ways and like you enjoy the ritual .
Nothing like gettting a brand new Vinyl or even a minty 2nd hand ' hell even that CD you have been trying to find for months , looking at the sleeve notes etc, etc .:)
Yes,
I like my records and CDs , when I get to the point that the only release of new material that
I want is via download then I will consider buying a solution for that, but of course I shall still play my
CDs back on my player I won't go to the trouble of ripping them.
(I have a Creek DAC60 that is connected to my computer so I use that, but I don't have
any downloaded music it's just used as an audio device,not high res)
Not to mention the lack of lossless downloads of artists I like.
That, is probably the biggest thing holding downloads back for people like us. Give me bit-perfect lossless or WAV files, bonus content, (videos, live tracks etc.) and then a substantial discount (I'm talking 1/2 current price, because you no longer have the manufacturing/logistical/distribution overhead, Mr Record Company) and I MIGHT buy albums by download...
Of course, no large record company is likely to do that, so I suspect by a process of osmosis the discerning listener will be dragged down to the lowest common denominator - in other words, the lowest quality at the highest price they can get away with, and because most youngsters don't know the difference, they won't care either. :(
I sometimes wonder if CD players will become a more specilst product, a bit like the Turntable
The performance one can get from computer audio is pretty good and you have to spend a lot of dosh to equal it let alone beat it. In a way its made hearing music played on a good system more realistic to achieve than ever and in my mind that can only be a good thing
A lot of companies are trying to find their own take on Computer Audio (Wadia Ps Audio Naim Linn etc) and think the next few years will be interesting to see how products will develop
For me I like to see more available higher resolution audio downloads, here is where the pontential lies but not sure it will really happen
quadsugdenman
17-08-2010, 08:31
I still feel the need to handle vinyl (especially) and cd's as that was, and still is for me, part of the experience. I am of the generation where computers are associated with work and not often an enjoyable experience!!!
I use the computer for my MP3 files but it will never replace the TT or CD player as my main source of music. I totally agree that CD player transports are not what they used to be (I use either my 15 years old Resolution Audio (Quantum) transport or my Sony 555 ES SA/CD) however I cannot see CD's or vinyl being replaced by streamed music in these parts!!! ;)
What I have heard from streamed music has been quite good but it still does not grab me the way good vinyl or a CD stirs me ol bones!! :dance:
Lodgesound
17-08-2010, 08:41
I think the possession of a physical asset like the CD is still extremely relevant at this stage even in the download-obsessed world of today. As far as computers and music replay goes invest in the best outboard audio interface you can buy and you will be surprised at how good the results an be. I recently visited one of the top audio mastering houses in London and into their Neumann vinyl cutting lathe they had - yes - a Prism audio interface fed with Steinberg Wavelab.
It would be interesting to hear your views on domestic DACs, especially the cheaper ones, as you have a proper reference to refer to.
It will be interesting to see how HiFi manufacturers respond to the increasing use of the computer as the primary audio source.
I think many companies will reduce their range of products and some will abandon the development and manufacturing of CD player’s altogether.
It would seem from the woeful lack of choice in the world of hi res and even redbook standard downloads that the only realistic option for the computer based HiFi enthusiast is to buy CD and rip them to file.
On the plus side, second hand CD’s in good condition are plentiful and cheap; often the postage costs more than the CD itself. A further bonus is unlike buying second hand vinyl, the condition of the CD is far less important. It only needs to be good enough for the ripping program to read accurately once in theory.
The idea that hi res downloads are somehow going to make CD’s obsolete, or even a niche source more akin to vinyl isn’t probable given the current state of music download.
I believe the bulk of downloaded music is in mp3 format but interestingly, as Dac technology improves and the price for a Dac that outperforms an average CD player falls, there is the possibility that many of those who might have been content with mp3 quality will now look to utilize the very common 24/96 and redbook potential of their replay equipment resulting in a new generation of computer based “audiophiles”.
What the music download market would seem to lack is providers of competitively priced 16/44 standard audio downloads.
Lodgesound
17-08-2010, 12:01
Hi Dave;
It would be interesting to compare some - one of the best DAC's I have ever heard was and still is the Nagra D tape machine which produces an absolutely stunning sound that really did take me by surprise when I first heard it.
Stratmangler
17-08-2010, 12:06
HD Tracks have a free 24/96 album for download for those who have not used their service yet https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php
Hi Stewart,
one of the best DAC's I have ever heard was and still is the Nagra D tape machine which produces an absolutely stunning sound that really did take me by surprise when I first heard it.
Excuse my ignorance, but how does a DAC feature on a tape machine? :scratch:
Marco.
Stratmangler
17-08-2010, 12:21
Hi Stewart,
Excuse my ignorance, but how does a DAC feature on a tape machine? :scratch:
Marco.
Digital tape machine.
Rare Bird
17-08-2010, 12:21
I'm looking to be buying a new CD player pretty soon anyway.I was originally switched onto CD in 1985, i did switch back to Vinyl for about 10 years, hundreds of turntables /sets up's later i was still never ever ever happy with Records..CD's are here to stay for me..
Hi Dave;
It would be interesting to compare some - one of the best DAC's I have ever heard was and still is the Nagra D tape machine which produces an absolutely stunning sound that really did take me by surprise when I first heard it.
Some years ago now (:() I heard a Prism DAC and it was excellent with the Bryston/big PMC system it was being used with. There are so manhy alternatives now - one which looked interesting was this -
http://www.tcelectronic.com/bmc-2.asp
which doesn't cost the earth and has a "preamp" output buffer with volume control..
Digital tape machine.
Ah, I see. I always associate tape with analogue unless advised otherwise :)
Marco.
Lodgesound
17-08-2010, 12:37
Hi Marco;
Yes indeed forgot to mention the digital bit - it does function as a standalone DAC though with output level control so it can be connected straight into a power amp or active speaker/monitor system.
Phil Bishop
14-01-2011, 12:58
Some years ago now (:() I heard a Prism DAC and it was excellent with the Bryston/big PMC system it was being used with. There are so manhy alternatives now - one which looked interesting was this -
http://www.tcelectronic.com/bmc-2.asp
which doesn't cost the earth and has a "preamp" output buffer with volume control..
I got one of these for £99 over Christmas. I have it coupled to my Slee Solo Ultra Linear headphone amp and AKG701 cans. I have not heard a better DAC. It also has a headphone amp which is quite respectable.
Phil
HighFidelityGuy
14-01-2011, 13:40
I still buy CD's for most of the music I want to keep. This is because most of the music I like isn't available to download in higher than CD quality. Personally I don't see the point in buying CD quality downloads as I can buy the physical CD for about the same price and rip it with EAC myself. Then I get to keep the CD as a backup.
I refuse to pay for downloads that are less than CD quality as I can get the CD for about the same price and end up with the same thing but in better quality.
So until I can download the music I want in higher than CD quality I'll stick with CD's.
magiccarpetride
14-01-2011, 22:39
I still buy CD's for most of the music I want to keep. This is because most of the music I like isn't available to download in higher than CD quality. Personally I don't see the point in buying CD quality downloads as I can buy the physical CD for about the same price and rip it with EAC myself. Then I get to keep the CD as a backup.
I refuse to pay for downloads that are less than CD quality as I can get the CD for about the same price and end up with the same thing but in better quality.
So until I can download the music I want in higher than CD quality I'll stick with CD's.
Wasn't the question whether people still buy CD Players, not CDs? I bought my last CD player long time ago, still works like a charm, and I'm still buying CDs like crazy. However, I will not ever again spend money on buying another CD player, even if my trusted Sony dies.
HighFidelityGuy
14-01-2011, 23:42
Oops, I misread the thread title. How embarrassing. :doh:
Well to answer the actual question....I highly doubt I'll ever buy a dedicated CD player again. I rip all my music to .wav files and then put the CD in a safe place. If I ever needed to play a CD I could use my PC drive or Blu-Ray player but I've not played a physical CD for over 2 years now. I find having all my CD's ripped much more convenient and I'd have to pay serious money to buy a CD transport that could match the performance. Personally I'd rather put the money towards more CD's and beer. :)
Wasn't the question whether people still buy CD Players, not CDs? I bought my last CD player long time ago, still works like a charm, and I'm still buying CDs like crazy. However, I will not ever again spend money on buying another CD player, even if my trusted Sony dies.
Alex, shouldn't your by-line be "margaritas vestras ante porcos" (Pearls Before Swine, a little known '70s US acid-folk group)?
Regards
Rare Bird
15-01-2011, 11:21
(Pearls Before Swine, a little known '70s US acid-folk group)?
Regards
I never liked them Barry
I never liked them Barry
I've only heard the one title: 'The Use of Ashes', around 1973, but from memory I quite liked it. Not sure though if I were to hear it today.
Regards
Rare Bird
15-01-2011, 11:40
I've only heard the one title: 'The Use of Ashes', around 1973, but from memory I quite liked it. Not sure though if I were to hear it today.
Regards
'The Use Of Ashes' is 1970! Although i do like the cover art they used especially the first album 'One Nation Underground' with the Hieronymus Bosch 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' art
technobear
15-01-2011, 20:38
I'm about to buy a new CD player :ner:
Reid Malenfant
15-01-2011, 20:46
I'm about to buy a new CD player :ner:
I just bought a secondhand one, but only to extend the life of my present transport (even though it works perfectly) ;)
Hope you enjoy Chris :)
aquapiranha
15-01-2011, 23:13
My CD's about to be 'archived' in the loft in a number of plastic lidded crates. Since getting the streaming solution I simply have no need for them except as a back up.
Rare Bird
15-01-2011, 23:38
Well i have two Mission machines, a Micromega, Three Sony machines, i'm sure i'll have enough to last me out.If prices come really down i'd love to pick up a cheap used dream Machine. SONY 'SCD 1'
hi spuro7,is the picture on your post the lady named aung san suu kyi,or maybe im mistaken,regards maria.........
My CD's about to be 'archived' in the loft in a number of plastic lidded crates. Since getting the streaming solution I simply have no need for them except as a back up.
I was of a similar mind until my router blew up one Friday night...Oh disaster, took a week before the replacement arrived! :(
So I'll be keeping my CD's and players, Audiolab 8000CDM & a Meridian 506, close at hand...just in case :)
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.