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.
My hifi is: Audiolab 6000A integrated amp Second hand NAD C541i CD player Wharfedale Pacific Evo 40 floor standers I’ve had 20 years
Connected to my PC I have a studio monitor setup, but that’s mostly as I run my guitar though it. Prior to that I had a second hand NAD C320 amp and Wharfedale 9.1 bookshelf speakers. All bought for about £165 and sounded fantastic.
that’s a little under two grand to listen to cds in one room for anyone playing along at home.
what version of The Well Tuned Piano do you think is best?
Too rich for you?
The CD part is just one component. Swap in a Wiim instead of the CD player for an excellent streaming setup. It also functions as the amp and speakers for the TV.
For something 20 years in the making it’s not bad and I bet better systems can be had for less. Certainly my first system cost almost nothing but still sounded fantastic. My recently departed second setup cost £165 all in and in many ways was just as good as my main system.
The point is not my exact setup, but that it is any kind of a hifi at all.