In my current systems, I listen to and enjoy multiple formats. On many days I listen to LP’s, CD’s, Cassettes, and stream. They all have their place in my musical listening life and enjoyment. When I wake up, on goes the CD changer as I listen to Classical CD’s while doing quite activities in the morning. When I start getting ready for work, I pull something up on ROON or pop a disc into my SACD player. The commute to work is a CD or music from the auto’s music server. At work I mostly stream through my Cambridge Audio CNX but also play CD’s. In the evening I spin on average two LP’s as I relax. After that most often ROON again.
I rarely buy a digital download unless it is the only way to get the music I want. I buy a CD most often or a CD and a LP and then rip a FLAC file for my ROON core. To my ears sometimes a CD sounds better than a Hi-Res stream or LP of the same album (cassettes always sound the worst but some music I only have in that format). Sometimes one of the other formats sounds better. It all depends on many variables.
I purchased my first LP in 1976 and was smart enough to take care of my LP’s and save them for many years even when I did not have a turntable operating. I enjoy them today.
It is certainly true streaming is and will be the preferred means of listening to music for the masses. With that said, LP’s and CD’s will still continue to have a market and be enjoyed by many people for years to come.
