Streaming Is To Audio What Red Plastic Cups Are To Wine


Unpacking and going through my vinyl collection, it occurs to me that vinyl is it, whereas streaming is Audio’s red plastic cup.

The best wines taste low-shelf in the red plastic cup. Yes, the red plastic cup is cheap and convenient, just like streaming. Wine should feel the same regardless of the vessel - it’s the same wine - but it does not. So should music - but it does not. Streamed music may sound (nearly) as good as vinyl, but it feels... disposable. Vinyl does not. Vinyl is the thing. Vinyl is it! Just my opinion, of course.

devinplombier

However to return to the OP, I have a question: Has he ever drunk wine while blindfolded from plastic cup and compared the experience to a fantastic crystal goblet, or whatever his preferred vessel may be? Perhaps with someone pouring a few drops onto his tongue from each? I suspect he wouldn’t know which was where the wine came from

@mahler123 

Respectfully, that’s completely besides the point. 

The point (my point) is that the practice of vinyl - with its sensory, tactile, experiential, taxonomic and humanistic ramifications - is rich with meaning, whereas streaming is largely a flat, disembodied experience that facilitates (but does not impose, to be fair) a passive, listless participation style.

The red plastic cup does not change the taste of wine, but it robs the act of wine drinking of its context and wrings all the charm out of it - try clinking red plastic cups with friends.

SOUND QUALITY ISN’T THE POINT (apologies for the caps)

 

@tomic601 

format wars are a complete waste of time

Amen to that. 

I am currently enjoying listening to ripped Little Axe CDs. Maybe, I'll listen to some vinyl records later. 

 

 

My reaction to any streaming sound quality detractors these days is step up your streaming game first and then we can talk.