Noisy-Le-Grand leader Lars Murray explains why MP3s and CDs aren't an either/or proposition:
- Vitals
Tech:
MP3-enabled portable CD-player
5-disc MP3-enabled DVD changer
25-disc CD changer (not MP3-Compatible)
Rio 500 (Busted serial connection)
Speakeasy DSL at home, T1 at work
Limewire Pro (RIP Audiogalaxy)
Cassette tapes (20-year library of mix tapes)
Caveats: I like hassle-free stuff. I am also not a first-wave adopter, as most first wave products are unreliable and are overpriced. I do not collect DVDs; I subscribe to Netflix (the greatest thing since sliced bread, or maybe Napster). I rarely buy any music based on radio play. I sometimes see stuff on TV, but mostly I buy based on press, borrowing from friends, and online previewing.
Why I still buy CDs:
1) The sound quality is uniform
2) They are reliable (burned audio and MP3 CDS still don't always work
in all my devices)
3) I like collecting them
4) I like supporting bands (regardless of your view of label practices, Soundscan numbers help a band)
5) I can rip songs from them for compilations and MP3 players
6) I can rip them for traveling and leave the original at home
7) I like to have the artwork
8) They are manageable
What is not so good about about CDs:
1) At 17.99 list, they are overpriced relative to DVDs
2) They relatively bulky; a pain to travel with.
3) I cannot legally buy a decent compilation in many genres
4) I am reluctant to risk $14+ on a CD if I have not previewed it and like at least three tracks
5) A lot of stuff I want is not in print.
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