For The Record, You Should Get A CD
Thoughts/advice on an underrated format in the age of vinyl and streaming
Have you ever looked at a $35 record at Target or a record store and thought; “Oh gee! I can’t wait to drop $100+ on a player, $35 on a new needle, $100+ on speakers, another $25 on a record care kit JUST to listen to this ONE record!”? Me neither.
Don’t get it twisted, this isn’t a vinyl hate letter written by someone who can’t afford a turntable upgrade (I can btw, preferably on a budget). I collect vinyl and believe that streaming is good. Vinyl is charming and romantic. CDs however, the plastic discs we believe to have been obsolete sometime around Obama’s presidency, never left.
CDs sound better than most people remember, cost less than they should, and do not require a lifestyle built around avoiding dust and listening to “warmth”. For most people, with normal budgets and normal listening habits, CDs might actually be the best physical music format.
Why CDs Are Better (For Most)
Audio Quality
CDs have 16-bit/44.1kHz audio, providing high fidelity sound and great dynamic range. All that means is that you’re getting the full sound of the music as it was recorded and meant to be listened. The bass is nice and thumpy, while the bright, higher-pitched details are crisp and clear.
In comparison, streaming often isn’t as clear, where music data gets dropped in favor of maintaining bandwidth for a good connection. The result can sound muddy or flattened, even if you’re using decent headphones or speakers.
If you have a car with a CD player, try an experiment: play a song via streaming, then play the same track on CD. You’ll notice the difference.
Affordability + Convenience
Once upon a time, vinyl records were the cheaper format at record stores, while CDs were the pricier, more exclusive option.
Now the two have swapped— the average (new) vinyl at a record store is around $30 while brand new CDs are half as much. Better yet, you can find them cheaper if used while retaining great sound quality. I find myself affording between 3-5 CDs for every 1-2 records I buy.
When it comes to convenience, CDs are smaller, easier to store, and easier to transport. They also let you burn your own music. I use an external DVD/CD drive with my MacBook to make mixtapes and burn my own music to listen to at home or in the car—with uncompromising hi-fi audio.
Not only are CDs cheaper than records, but the gear is cheaper too. You can find CD players and speakers at Goodwill or on Facebook Marketplace for next to nothing. No turntable, no preamps, no replacement needles, no record-cleaning kits—you get the point. I found a hi-fi CD player with speakers for $20 on Marketplace, and it’s what I use for my home sound system.
What To Look for in CDs
Assuming the basics, a clean disc with little to no scratches, there are still things to look out for. Albums often have multiple CD versions: original releases, remasters, Japanese pressings, and, unfortunately, overly compressed mixes that would flatline any respectable producer.
Old School is Cool
Your goldilocks zone for good CDs (besides recent releases) are ones mixed between the 1970s and 1980s, maybe some early 90s. These discs tend to have the sound straight from the master tapes, so you are getting the closest to the original sound the artist and producer had in mind.
Most albums in the 90s-2000s went through something called the Loudness Wars, in which new music and remasters were compressed into oblivion, making the quiet parts loud and loud part softer so the music would “pop” when playing on an iPod or the radio. This of course can squash music into a muddy mess instead of sounding as if the band was playing right in front of you.
An example below is a song under the loudness war vs a proper mix.
That’s not to say that all releases after the 80s are terrible. Just do some research if you’re on the fence of an album, as there are many good remasters and releases coming out. If you want to find what year of an album is the best version, you can look it up on the website linked here. When I really want a specific album, I search here for the best version.
If you want to really want to splurge: Japanese CDs.
Japanese culture is one that emphasizes quality, and as a result still has an affinity for all-things analog. As a result, Japanese CDs tend to have better mastering (often using the original tapes/source of the recording), unique packaging and even bonus tracks not found on American releases. They tend of be pricier, but are absolutely worth it for that album or artist you just can’t get enough of.
Where to Get Good CDs
Half Price Books
This place is the GOAT! Great CD sections and fair prices. Sometimes you can score some good ones in the clearance section if you’re lucky.
eBay
I only resort to this if you can’t find a specific artist/album in stores, but these are great for grails or rare copies. The descriptions are pretty decent and trustworthy, and usually aren’t too pricey, even with shipping.
Your Local Record Store!
Support local businesses! Record stores are usually the go-to for all kinds of formats, and are great for new and used CDs. They have knowledgable workers, and tend to have a large selection available compared to thrift stores or even Half Price Books. If you leave in Minnesota, you know Cheapo Records is the place for this!!
So, for the record…
If you’re torn between CDs and vinyl—or love vinyl but are frustrated by the prices—go with CDs. I collect records and love how they sound too, but I am convinced CDs strike the best balance: physical, great-sounding, versatile, and affordable.
Best,
Santi
u get ittt ! decided last year i wanna focus more on my cd collection (especially since most artists are prioritizing them again) with a few vinyls just here n there
I love this article! Physical media is so fun!!