2. digital
  3. 181225-81382

What am I missing?

When discussing streaming we often hear the quality achieved by streaming compared to "cd quality". "Cd quality" seems often to be the standard by which streaming is favorably compared while cds have at the same widely fallen into disfavor as a medium. If "cd quality" continues to be a quality standard by which we judge streaming services -which it appears to be- why exactly do we hold cds in such disfavor? More sophisticated dacs can always be employed with cd transports as they are with streaming. I understand the convenience and storage issues with cds but I also understand that with streaming you will never own the music which you do with cds. This becomes even more unclear to me when considering the resurgence of vinyl and the storage and convenience issues involved with this medium. I don't believe the music industry ever wanted us to own the music we listen to but rather preferred we only rent and pay for that music each time.

128x128pmiller115

Showing 2 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,547 posts
 

It all boils down to how you run your business. I've bought CDs from European labels that charge around €12-15, and about €9 for the digital download version and some even have a MP3 category for less, along with an album version, usually for around €19-21. So, yes, the artist still can make money the old fashioned way as it all depends on one's morals and ethics, and for some artists, this is their only avenue for getting their music out and they count their blessings as the major labels won't touch them. It's kind of like buying things on Etsy instead of Amazon.

If all artists demanded it, then things could change but all the world is doing is saying goodbye to the old boss and hello to the new one and depending on country of origin, they are stuck with the goofs in charge.

The more successful artists can tour to make old fashioned killer earnings but then the fans have to deal with jackholes like Ticketmaster. Not every artist can do that. 

All the best,
Nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,547 posts
 

Your premise is a bit off. CD sales are up 21% and the number of units are up 47%.  Hi Rez is not much of an advantage, sound wise, than Redbook if the CD is properly mastered. In fact, it can be indistinguishable between the two types.

Personal ownership is still a thing for some as well as properly compensating the artists. Don't forget that the whole concept of streaming and sharing music started off as a way to rip off the artist and pretend you were dissing the man (record companies). I still get a laugh over that one. Now that it's SOP, let's get the tech down pat and enjoy the fruits of our crimes. The sad part is, a different group of owners are screwing over the artists and still charging you to listen without owning. Owning costs extra. 

All the best,
Nonoise

 

More to discover