The Enduring Appeal of CDs vs. Digital Music: Is Anyone Still Collecting?

With the rise of digital music and streaming services, one might wonder if there are people who still collect music in physical formats, such as CDs and even vinyl. My own experience as a middle-aged music enthusiast suggests that despite the shift towards digital, there are still many who enjoy and purchase compact discs.

Are CD Collections Making a Comeback?

I still buy compact discs and occasionally audiocassettes. It seems that middle-aged people like myself are among those who appreciate the tangible quality of physical music. In fact, now might be an especially good time to buy CDs as they are often being dumped by their owners. Every time I visit a thrift shop, I can leave with a pile of compact discs, which often come with bonus content like DVDs or Blu-rays. However, younger generations are more likely to opt for vinyl records.

Why I Prefer CDs

Coming from the vinyl generation, I find CDs to be the best and most durable long-lasting form of data storage in the music world. CDs, especially those in 16-bit format, still sound fantastic. Whether I'm browsing for good used CDs on eBay or finding gems at around $5 pieces, I am fully satisfied. Unlike tapes, CDs are not easily damaged; you have to go out of your way to ruin them. A professionally manufactured CD, not a rewritable CD (CD-R or CD-RW) should last over 100 years without degradation, as long as it is kept dry and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Reliability of CDs Compared to Electronic Media

On the other hand, electronic media such as SD cards, solid-state hard drives, and other digital storage devices are all prone to failure. They do not hold up as well as a well-made CD would. Given the vast amount of music available on CD, it is unlikely that they will lose their relevance in the near future. Moreover, the cost of CD players has been decreasing, which might lead to a new wave of CD collecting.

The Thriving World of Music Collectors

Let's not forget that there are plenty of dedicated collectors of both CDs and vinyl out there. This enthusiasm is why there are numerous small, thriving record shops and regular music collector fairs across the UK every weekend. These events and shops cater to a dedicated community of music enthusiasts who value the experience of collecting and owning physical music.

While the digital age is undoubtedly changing the way we consume music, it seems that the desire to collect and own physical pieces of music is still alive and well. CDs, in particular, continue to hold a special place in the hearts and collections of many music lovers.