So…Much…Music!

Wow! 

This thread is revising my opinion of audiophiles and music lovers. We're not all stuck in listening to the "audiophile approved" list of recordings. 

I post often on the SteveHoffman forums, and so many over there are stuck in the past. They seem content to listen to the same 60’s and 70’s albums over and over again, and paint all new music with the same broad brush. 

It is refreshing to see people of a certain age, still embracing the discovery of new music.

I have added a streamer to my system about 8 months ago using Qubuz. I use it largely for researching new musicians, bands, composers, etc. But it certainly sounds as good as my other sources.

1746 artists in my Roon library and I listen to them all, many discovered via streaming. 

Listening to music is why we buy audio equipment. WE keep searching to find true happiness in out system and music.With the price of gas is cheaper to just seat home and explore your library of vinyl  ,cds ,cassettes, Reel to reels ,streaming....relax and enjoy.

No doubt streaming has so many benefits and I listen to music exclusively with streaming. All the CDs and vinyl and associated gear has been sold, no looking back.

Being in my 70s, my audio journey started back in the 1960s with vinyl, a Lafayette receiver, and some Celestion Ditton 10 speakers. In addition to listening at my home base, what was really important to me was a portability that would allow me to have music travel with me. I’ve seen and lived it all, from 8 track tapes, to cassettes, to cds, mp3s on flash drives, and now streaming platforms.

So in addition to having access to so much new music, one of the biggest benefits of streaming for me, is to have access to all "my favourite" music as well as  many playlists curated for my tastes populated with both familiar and new music, with consistent high quality, impervious to physical breakdown, weather I’m on a plane, with my earbuds, on the beach with my Audeze headphones, in my kitchen system while making dinner, and in my car when I am driving. We have never had that combination of durability, access, portability, and superior sound quality until now with streaming.

@alvinnir2 

+1

Like you, I too am in my 70’s and share your journey keeping up with the changing of music mediums. Last year I added streaming to my home system and also love, as you and others have stated, the convenience of carrying the music wherever I go via my smartphone. With good quality headphones or good quality earbuds (I have both) I’m able and do what I think is most important, ie; “Listening to the music!” Never-mind that every method of listening isn’t superior, that’s what my home system is for, it’s about engaging in listening to the talented people who have dedicated their time and sometimes their lives to creating music. As an old bass guitar player and drummer in my youth I have a great respect and appreciation for musicians. I feel privileged to be able have the equipment that allows me listen to the results of musician’s artistic expressions. 
 

I concur with you that NOW is the best time to take advantage of listening however you want. Unlike you though, I’m a collector. My vinyl and cd’s stay and get used based on my mood and energy level. So I setup my home system in order of my preference, streamer 1st, cd player 2nd and turntable 3rd (even though it’s the most expensive component in my system - it can be viewed in Systems). Dropping vinyl takes more effort than I want to do some days, so streaming from my listening chair is a great alternative…

Happy listening!!