CDs are in every way better than vinyl records. They are smaller, much higher quality audio, lower noise floor and don’t wear out by being played. The fact that CD sales are behind vinyl is a sign that the world has gone mad. The fact you can rip and stream your own CD media is fantastic because generally remasters are not good and streaming services typically only have remastered versions, not originals. You have no control on streaming services about what version of an album you’re served or whether it’ll still be there tomorrow. Not an issue with physical media.
The vast majority of people listen to music using equipment that produces audio of poor quality, especially those that stream using ear buds. It makes me very sad when people don’t care that what they’re listening to could sound so much better, especially if played through a hifi from a CD player, or using half decent (not beats) headphones.
There’s plenty of good sounding and well produced music out there, but it’s typically played back through the equivalent of two cans and some string. I’m not sure people remember how good good music can sound when played back through good kit.
Man, you’ve got multiple opinions in here that are popular and unpopular in different contexts. In an audiophile community, that opening would be very unpopular
But you also get steaming involved, which is digital rather than CDs in a direct sense.
But the whole “earbud” bit is just silly because the term is often used for IEMs, which can produce amazing sound, even compared to cans or great speakers. Like, my gear is all budget-ish, and my tin t2s hold up well against my beyerdynamics and sennheisers (again, entry tier gear across the board). I’ve even got those cheap Sony buds that can compare decently to much better IEMs (they don’t make them any more, but they came with some of the Sony phones years ago).
So it’s hard to tell exactly what you mean by “earbuds” making poor quality audio. It’s all about how well made they are imo.
So, I didn’t vote on the post, but I feel it is overall a fairly popular opinion outside of audiophile circles, which is where I think you’re coming from.
I happen to agree with you on average though. I have a decent vinyl collection thanks to my parents giving theirs to me to add to my own. Sound wise, there’s less clarity, more noise, and every play worsens that. They do last longer than CDs though. Some of mine are from the fifties and earlier, but I’ve had CDs from the nineties end up unplayable just from age. Even the oldest, most played record I have can still play.
I’m a digital guy for listening now though. Good lossless formats are essentially immortal, sound great, and are much easier to store. Rip CDs, enjoy forever :)