Originally Posted by
Audio Advent
Doesn't have to be either/or. Raspberry Pi is so cheap that you can get a system together which integrates with your current network (if you have such a thing already set up for other computer related purposes) and sounds great for the price of a crap CD player. I would see it as broadening one's options for experiencing music. There's plenty of bands/musicians/composers out there making their own music and only releasing their stuff via digital download, there are lots of hobbiests making recordings at recitals or making field recordings and putting them on the web for download, there are lots of freebees for experiencing high-rez audio and of course there are many high-rez audio stores which don't provide physical formats - having a FBA player that's easy and cheap just gives you another format player, like you might have a cassette player to hand for the odd thing you come across.
I think it's a nice, neat solution whereas normal PC/laptop permanently set up will just be a bit too over the top for most people and their homes and something like a Mac Mini too expensive.
Philosophically, does listening to the radio cheapen the listening experience? It's not much different other than you didn't even make those few clicks! Someone else even did that for you. One listens to the music and how you then associate with that music is kind of up to you. I find it makes no difference at all - if I love the music then whilst I'm listening to it, I still love it and value it. If it then makes you think of another piece you want to hear then you're not distracted in finding it as might be the case when searching for the physical copy. Just brings a different experience, not better not worse. (I'm only speaking from the point of view of playing stuff from my laptop... don't have any Pi yet).
