Why I don't think I'll ever return to vinyl - brief rant

I applaud OP for supporting artists by buying direct; I do the same. Vinyl occasionally can have problems, yet by and large things have been fine with my new purchases. Split seams and tear in inner sleeves are much more common than vinyl defects. Re cleaning new vinyl, yes an absolute necessity, and nothing new under the sun.

OP can also purchase digital files. Supports the artist likely even more than with physical media, because digital files have very little cost associated with them; maybe some server cost, and that's about it.

As the saying goes: "I got into vinyl because of the inconvenience and the expenses." Vinyl is not for everybody. Enjoy the music you own in any format.

@hoodjem Streaming is way too complicated and troublesome. I don’t need a Mesh Router, Music Server, Network Streamer, Network Interface, Network Server, Ethernet Switch, Network Switch, Ethernet Cable, Ethernet Filter, Word Clock, clock cables, USB Cable.

what am I missing? It's not complicated at all.  My only source for music is streaming - router, decent ethernet cable, Innuos Pulsar Streamer, Anzus X2 USB, Accuphase DC-1000 DAC (yes I've considered the Innuos PhoenixNET) all of which is extremely simple and sounds incredible. I'm also in the works of building a curated music library of local hi-res files but the Innuos Statement NG will make building and storing local files for playback a lot more attractive. 

hilde45

Vinyl ownership demands constant maintenance and technical attention.

Not really. It does require some periodic attention - bearing lubrication, perhaps occasional belt replacement, ensuring the table is still level. But a good turntable should remain mostly stable once properly setup.

Streaming ownership means buying it, plugging it in, and forgetting about it.

Not really. Software gets updated, routers go obsolete, DNS assignment can get erzatz, streaming services go down or change apps.

I still play LPs and I stream, too. They're different experiences.

I've got a joint-owned vinyl collection that is quite large, and goes through meticulous cleaning to give the stylus an interface I like to know is added value when achieved. 

Added to the vinyl collection is a reasonable amount of CD's to keep me occupied with using CD as a Source. The CD collection does expand in number these days faster than the vinyl.

CD is not just a source material that is liked; it also serves to allow music to be replayed, avoiding the use of the Phono Cartridge, hence creating longevity for the owned Cart's.

Regarding the owned system, I have generated indelible experiences of source materials through replays that are not crossover in how they are able to impress.

Like all who use vinyl, there are discovered Vinyl Albums that are much wanted as Titles in the collection, where a small selection are poor as a recording.

I also have CD's that are very poor as a recording, and are proven much worse than the same Album Title produced in vinyl.

There are too many replay options to feel the need to dwell on a duffer experience; onwards to the next musical encounter is the motto I prefer to use.

I was listening to the original 1978 pressing of Bob Marley’s “Kaya”. This is a truly incredible album, in my opinion. Music, musicians, performance and recording quality. I have listened to it several times this week on vinyl. There is no version of it on Qobuz and Tidal that comes close to the sound of this vinyl. I’m talking clarity, vibrance, color, plump and juicy bass, gobs of details on that vinyl record.

I like to hear my favorite albums in the best possible sound quality to enjoy the music. This is just one of the many albums in my collection that provide this experience where streaming is just short of reaching this level. There are albums that sound much better on streaming. It isn’t that one format is better than the other. But rather it boils down to mastering.