![]() ![]() Even those pitching to us enthusiasts, typically will only provide a half ass attempt (obviously there are exceptions but some of them even pull out or fail like Oppo, Essential, and etc because we just don't represent a large enough group typically for most companies). As an enthusiast, we are often let down because most companies strive to provide products and services designed to reach the most consumers as possible. In fact, there have been plenty of other digital disc formats (DVD-Audio, HDCD, CDs w/DTS, SACD, and etc.) Most of which really haven't reached any critical mass, faded away, or did not offer any compelling reason for the masses to purchasing even more equipment which is probably were 4K Video discs are headed. Too big, lacking in music availability for the music I want to listen to, and requires a good turntable and needle (extra expense), and you still can experience pops and etc from scratches, dust, and what not. You'll probably have some wanting to stay analog, and they still use Records but I find them too inconvenient. In short, I think their probably is room for two extreme camps. Keep in mind that I think most services are targeted to regular consumers which we are obviously not. I think music streaming is still mostly a convenience thing (sort of like how iPods use to be), and companies' focus have historically not really been about quality. Nonetheless, there has been several audio delivery formats and services that I have seen over the years, but I only find CDs to be the most consistent in quality and availability. Now, I have listened to a couple of streaming services, and I just wasn't all that impressed. Although, I still listen to regular radio in my vehicles. Nonetheless, all of my music is CDs ripped on my Linux box with software that I've written to optimize the import process so my entire music library is 44.1Khz, 16-bit, stereo which is my quality floor that I'm willing to listen to. Although, I can tolerate MP3s at 320Kbps (CBR) for mobile listening (phone/car). In short, I don't like overly compressed music. I'm also not a fan of Satellite music either because of how it sounds, but it is better than HD Radio. For instance, to me it sounds like when Netflix started using Dolby Digital Plus and many receivers sounded weird until they received updates. The compression algorithm makes the music sound like it has an incompatibility. ![]() ![]() Some of the companies selling flac files have even gotten in trouble for just up sampling an existing title they already have. Nonetheless, I'm still skeptical of places selling flac files or streaming in that they haven't been up or down sampled correctly. For instance, I was an early adopter when it came to Movies & TV with Netflix streaming. I'm certainly not consistent when it comes to technology adoption. I'm still old school in regards to the digital age for music. Metadata variable, album booklet often missing.įor widely distributed releases, ProStudioMasters is my current favorite because of timeliness, information, price, and ease of use. : Some favorite independent labels and artists only show here.Terrible metadata, wrong or missing, requires metadata surgery with Metadatics or Roon. Decent release information, but only for some albums. Lots of interesting exotic classical releases, low prices. Release information comparable to, sometimes better. Ancient-looking site with very cluttered navigation. Big catalog, wide price range but typically lower than 1-3. .uk: Used this just a couple of times.Don't know if it is possible to re-download. Uses slick download app that can get a bit confused but restarts without problems. Decent release info on site, better than, worse than. Looks like you can re-download (never tried, though). Uses annoyingly complicated download app. Based in Germany, some releases are blocked for US customers because of region restrictions. ![]() Easiest to pay with PayPal for US customers. Good release information both on the site and included in the download (album booklet). Requires downloading app that works reasonably well on Macs. Lots of emailed discount codes, sometimes worth it. From 100s of albums, got a couple that were messed up one way or another (missing tracks, wrong sample rates) and got refunded. Very minimal release information, often missing liner notes in the download. Very variable when new releases show up, some never do for unclear reasons. Genre volume: jazz > classical > world > pop (rare). I mostly buy new releases, with a few re-releases and a some releases from the last decade when I discover them by accident. Thanks to and various other recommendations, I've bought from six of the download sites that are available from the US. I've been on a bit of a download purchase spree lately while my skiing-damaged right shoulder slowly heals. ![]()
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