Note, I made a mistake, SPARS stands for Society of Professional Audio Recording Services. Just wanted to clear that up since I only want the best and most current information for you all! 😀
Thanks for clarifying. I understand the three letter code [ recording / mixing / mastering ] was designed to cater also for analog mastering (for analog media), but the final "D" seems a bit redundant for CDs which are always produced from a digital master. I suppose it is consistent to stick with the three letter code though.
Found out over the years that remasters aren’t always better than the original CD release. I’m glad that there were certain titles that I didn’t replace over the years with remasters that were mastered way too loud. There are a couple of the older releases I have sold or given away that I now wish I hadn’t. But one lives and learns.
I started buying CDs in 1985. I have entire collections by Pink Floyd, The Doors, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult and Alice In Chains and a few other bands. Can't do that with streaming! You are so right about remasters. I bought a remastered CD of Robin Trower Bridge of Sighs and it sounded terrible! There were some high frequency noises that sounded like some kind of digital artifacts and I will probably donate it. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for a fine discussion of the ins and outs of cds! I've been buying them for years, but only started seriously collecting a couple years ago. Love the hunt, and love discovering music I'd been unaware of.
One more thing…DAC!!!! Good transports/ drives and a nice DAC ..which can be upgraded gives you a surprising view as to what 16/44.1 ( Red Book) can actually sound. Currently spinning 💿 on a Denon ( The Beast) 3520 feeding a Topping E70 DAC ☕️
The CD is still the most reliable physical media for music. I don't see it going away any time soon and it may ever get its hayday like how its older cousin vinyl has.
Bonus tip: check out Japanese issues of your favourite bands' albums. They are sometimes mastered better, they can come with extras the American/European issues don't have such as extra photo booklets, bonus tracks, bonus DVD with live performances etc. They are often pressed better (better centricity, less warping of the substrate etc.) There are also occasions where download-only tracks for "Western" issues are actually available on CD only in Japan (e.g. AURORA: the 2018 album 'Infections of a Different Kind - Step 1' (incl. e.g. the song Queendom) is only available as a digital download in Europe/USA, the 2019 companion album 'A Different Kind of Human - Step 2' is available as a CD. Only in Japan did they issue these two combined on one CD as 2020 album 'Infections of a Different Kind of Human'.) Important if you prefer CDs to digital downloads.
@@DorianPaige00 That's why it is worth checking beforehand; no point paying the premium (incl. international shipping) if there are no extras and the mastering is the same. US and UK reissues I always treat with suspicion esp. when they have been "remastered"; which more often than not means compressed and brick-walled compared to the original pressings. But sometimes the extras are worth it and sometimes they do get the sound right.
@@maidsandmuses The stuff I buy was probably a little older and didn't receive an initial pressing on cd. I'm talking 70's-80's soul/boogie music which at times can get out into the weeds. I sort of have to take what I can get as I'm format specific.
No, buy as many as you can as quickly as you can. That's especially true if you like older music. If you are going for limited reissues, act now. Hipo-select, BBR, Wounded Bird, Sundazed, and Japanese pressings all need to be acquired first. Cd singles with rare mixes are also highly sought after since those were always limited in the US.
When i was a kid loads of cd's got passed down to me that I had no idea what they where so they just sat in my room untill i was 11 and then i started to love them
Thanks for the info: What I like to see is a list of the best songs with the best recording techniques. So I am still a fan of the original Brother in Arms CD, Last Farwell DVD Phill Colins, Blu-Ray version Hans Zimmer in Praag.
Nothing wrong with collecting CDs, I have about 800+ myself, but as it is with vinyl records (I have 700+ of those too) CDs and vinyl records are one of the worst "investment" vehicles one could choose. If one is collecting vinyl or CDs as an investment, then good luck not losing your shirt. The reality is that CDs, like vinyl records are either worth what the rumors say they are, which is a bad thing or they are worth what they really are ($1, $2, $5, $10..) If I were to believe the prices I saw two weeks ago at my local record fair, I would have to believe I was sitting on about $3 billion dollars worth of records (exact same pressings and all)! I don't believe any part of that for a second. The records I picked up for $2, $5, $7 or $10 or $40 are worth the same now as they were when I bought them because I have also restored them improving their condition, but they are not worth 5000 times what I paid or even 10 times what I paid in reality. If one wants a quick reality check on real record value, just try asking for $20 for a Dylan record for example that was a reissue in the 1980's for $20 (which is the price I saw on them). I bought mine new in the 80s and not a one was more than $5. If I tried to sell said record now, I would not get more than $1 on my luckiest day even in the excellent condition they are. For an example of how crazy record values are: I have a box set by Mannheim Steamroller that was going for $250 in VG+ condition. I bought said set on Discogs (my one and only Discogs purchase), because some guy was offering it for $45 in VG+ condition. There were only around 20,000 made. What I got was surprising in a good way, it was not in VG+ condition, it was NOS, still in factory wrap! Checking the price when I got delivery showed it worth around $260. Did I open it? Yes, I did because a week later the value was $46 and stayed that way for a while. A couple or 3 months later it was back to $240 and after a couple of weeks, back down to $45. (I have not played any of the records though as I already have them in separate versions). The reason I checked "value" as I did for a little bit was pure curiosity. I won't ever sell it. CDs don't fair much better. Of course, I have no intent at any time of ever selling even one of my records or CDs. I collect records and CDs to listen to and enjoy, period, end of story. (In the case of records, make that restore and enjoy). I even question out of print CDs and such. I have 5 CDs right now that have been going for $200 each for years and are still that price. Why? I have no clue. Apparently, there were very few made and they are out of print. I may have a couple of others that are fetching a pretty penny as well. So just in the five CDs I have $1000 in so-called value. I bet I could not get more than $4 each if I were to sell them. I just do not understand the pricing or market on vinyl or CD, it makes no sense. I don't concern myself with it though except for being priced out of the market now, I'm not paying $50 for a $10 used record or $15 for a $5 used record. I buy records and CDs to listen to them, not put them someplace waiting to cash out somehow. The CD market is still affordable though (but if this kind of talk gets around, it won't be for long).
The common albums that were mass produced should always be affordable, both CD and vinyl. I feel like the rare or limited run albums should be priced accordingly. The only way these formats will survive is if there is inherent value for the artists. Otherwise, they will all go full streaming. I totally feel you, though. There is no reason why a vinyl record with no real value and that's readily available for sale should be going for $50.
@@audioarkitekts I was in that side of the industry myself partly (the business side) as I was the artist side as well, both worlds (being on the artists side or world was rewarding and wonderful. As for the business side it was not as official but more education (I used the knowledge in my roll as booking rep for some bands. Primary note to anyone in that position: Take as good care as you can of your bands you represent, they are family, not tools!!!! At least that is the way I saw it and operated)!!! How I ended up there, is a mystery. Anyway, artists whether not well known or very well known make very little from record or CD sales that are distributed, which is a shame. Back in my time the average was about 1% at best for every unit sold and a unit = 1000 records bought buy retailers, not consumers. On average the artists made nothing from consumer sales, only distribution. So if a retailer paid the label distributer $1000 for a unit of records, the artist would get about $10. Streaming today pays less than that, but the rub is that the artist gets about 1/4 to 1/2 cent for every stream. So if there are 1000 streams of the song the artist gets about $5. All the rest of the money from sales, etc. goes to the agents, label reps, lawyers, CEOs, etc. It is all contractual, which is why many artists who are long in the tooth and famous or not wait for their contracts to expire and go independent or find labels that have more fair contracts as opposed to the big ones whom are notorious for unfair practice. Artists make the most money from merch, concerts especially and direct sales (if allowed). Any opportunity I have to purchase a physical recording direct from an artist I do! The cost is also usually less than through retail as well, famous or not and one is supporting the artists bringing them wonderful music directly. (I do not purchase files or streams). I agree that the rare or very limited run albums should be priced accordingly, but that does not mean "limited run" = 500,000 and priced at a level requiring a mortgage. A limited run is 20,000 or less global distribution in my mind (30,000 or less by official definition). For example, currently, that Mannheim Steamroller box set I mentioned can be had in Mint condition, same as mine (if seller is honest) for $110 at lowest. Highest is $254 in same condition. So as we see, seller names the price depending on how serious they want to sell it or until someone with more money than common sense comes along and buys it. For this example, $110 to $150 sounds about right, while $250 is overly ambitious in my opinion even though it was a very limited run of about 20,000 units to 30,000 units distributed globally. As for those 5 infernal CDs I have by an artist called Solar Fields that are still $200 each if you find them, they all have more copies now for around $15, so why are the copies I have which are no different, don't contain extra tracks, etc. still $200? I don't get it. One of the albums is now selling for $115 for the more copies version! I just don't understand. Likely due to a lack of logic about the whole thing. If there was logic to it, then a number of folks would understand it.
Side projects of great musicians and members of great bands can be pretty amazing, too. I have noticed masterings from the mid-00s onwards having so much bass that I need to turn the bass down so as to not let it overwhelm the performances in the other frequency ranges present further back in the mix of the recording. Would you agree that this seems to have been purposely done to cater rather to earbud listeners than home stereo speaker listeners?
I had a huge cd collection, but I got rid of hundreds as I found I wasn't playing quite a few, I'm listening to different music than I was 20 years ago, there are a few that I rarely play, but like to still have in that rare mood and play it. But I prefer not having so many that I never play.
Cds Are pretty cool way to listen to music The one thing I like about cds Compare to music on RUclips website. Is I don't know how to worry about Cox communication Cutting my music off. But I will still need to worry about electricity.
Last year was the 40th anniversary of the compact disc. It's interesting to see it's rise and fall from grace. Much like vinyl in 2006 and cassettes in 2015, I expect a resurgence of CD's by the end of this decade.
I look for CDs at thrift stores and have had some luck. But I find that many are in bad shape w/ many scratches on the information side. I think this occurred because CDs were first marketed to us as indestructible; the opposite of vinyl. We were told you could throw em against the wall, bury them in sand for a couple thousand years and they still play flawlessly. And I know my car CD player w/ it’s automatic feed damaged my CDs as well. Most play well however but finding scratch free CDs is really difficult. And of course it impacts trade in value. Thanks!
I've been collecting classical music CDs since 1984. Lately I've discovered a class of CD that is considered worthless. The music club issue. I have about 50 such CDs and contrary to common wisdom have found there is no difference in sound quality between these and their retail counterparts. At prices averaging $.99 per CD in usually very good condition, I found it a great way to get superior performances and versions I would not otherwise be able to find.
I have to question your analysis of the Loudness War. I'll agree that the very most egregious examples are behind us, but in general the Loudness War is still very much alive. Despite many predictions that it'll soon end, I haven't seen any evidence of that yet in 2023. I haven't seen anything from the back catalog being remastered to bring back dynamic range. I would love for record companies to start mastering CDs for sound quality again, but right now that's a hope, not reality on the ground.
They have stopped using the aggressive dynamic range they used back in the 2000s. Many online say its over, but I do agree some new CDs don't have the dynamic range or sound quality they deserve.
👍🏻😎 I'm 58 and I have been collecting CD's since 1984 and I have an extensive library of first press CD's from the 80's. Japanese and West German pressings with smooth side cases. They are fantastic sounding compared to the brick walled and compressed remasters that came out after 1995. Even the the first CD's made in America that came around in the late 80's are good. I can't really hear any difference between them and the earlier Japanese and West German pressings. My advice would be to stay away from CD's remasters that came along after 1995 unless you want a headache after listening to one song.
Onya Mike- More great content! There is so much added joy and security in finding that treasure you've been searching for, and knowing that in most cases, the CD will be free of defects and flaws so common in old vinyl and even new re-issues. Researching the best version is also an absolute fascination for me. Thanks for your leadership in keeping faith in our beloved format. Love to hear your views on SACD, Blu-ray Audio and even a blast from the past- DVD-A.
i’m still collecting and been collecting, reselling, etc for 37 years.. have around 20,000 with no hits, collections, soundtracks etc, mostly all forms of Rock/Metal studio albums(cds) from 1975-1985, no fakes, burns, russian, or unofficial labels, tons of japanese versions.. few hundred gold discs as well.. great cd collections are starting to pop up at auctions etc due to money issues and old collectors dying off..
thanks!, i’ll die with my collection, haha,.. i should make good videos for you tube,. did put a couple here but don’t think they turned out good, so haven’t since,.
love your video discussions steve i find that a half decent transport and dac will give it more of an analogue sound 😀 to my system got rid of vinyl in 1984 and havnt looked back .mind you choose your cds carefully greetings from Scotland 😊
I do collect japanese 1st pressing cd; 35DP, 32XD, 20PD, or 1983-1988 pressing cd from Japan, UK, Germany and US. Also buy the newly remastered just for comparing the sound with the early 80's pressing. It's for the fun, and thrills. You never know what to expect. Just discovered recently that the "back in black" 20PD-2433 japanese pressing cd sounds so much better than the 2003 remastered cd.
The physical storage really is something you have to start thinking about at some point. They start to take up a lot of room. I have 3x Atlantic Oskar media cabinets. They are a great value. But they say they hold 460CD’s each and I probably only have 800 CD’s and I already have overflow. Irregular shaped CD’s and even the plastic sleeves you might put each jewel case in all take up room.
I got some greatest hits, the many faces of, 1 complete collection, the essentials and miscellaneous I actually got over 26 CDs as of right now and I will see if I can purchase more in the near future. I'm not really much of a music type person because I don't know if I have musical anhedonia. 8/20/23
Ever since I have been watching your channel, I've been obsessed with this format. Not sure what it is. Maybe it's just that it fulfills every niche that gets my adhd rolling and starts an obsession. Sometimes I think I'm taking this a little too far.
You cannot beat compact discs I play them in my car with my portable CD player and plugged in auxiliary Jack into my car and I can listen all day long to Quality Music try doing that with the lp don't get me wrong vinyl is okay but you have to be so careful with vinyl the scratch so easy all the Care you have to put into vinyl I just recently sold my turntable I'm a hundred percent with only CDs and I still put my cassette deck to good use
There’s nothing good about that. It ruins the whole immersive experience of listening to an album. If you just want to listen to a single song, buy the single or stream it.
Mike the CDs come in jewel cases your storytelling will make you a jewel one day it's an important part of our culture keep your multi-prong passion going. That being said I lived in Florida & Texas and left Houston Texas after a record 5th 500 year flood when you update this in the future please add archive!!! I run 3 single board computers with 1k hours of listening on each because local rendering over cleaning or tone arms, cartridges etc... Are beat by understanding how to manage digital . Trust me if that personal collection is ever lost in a disaster, the blow will be cushion but having some semblance of your previous collection. of course I had to do the same thing with all my books
There's some errors regarding SPARS. First, SPARS stands for Society of Professional Audio Recording Services (not sound performance art recording system) and uses a 3 letter code (not 4 as you said). Second, some of the text on screen, along with the spoken words, is incorrect. The following are the correct meanings but the word "tape" can now be omitted, since it was written before other (digital) storage formats, like hard disk drives, were commonplace: AAD = analogue tape recorder used during session recording and subsequent mixing and/or editing; digital tape recorder used during mastering (transcription). ADD = analogue tape recorder used during session recording; digital tape recorder used during subsequent mixing and/or editing and during mastering (transcription). DDD = digital tape recorder used during session recording, mixing and/or editing, and mastering (transcription). Also used but less common: DAD = digital tape recorder used during session recording; analogue tape recorder used during subsequent mixing and/or editing; digital tape recorder used during mastering (transcription). *It should be noted that these are not a guarantee and there are LOTS of examples where the incorrect one was printed on the disc and/or inserts & booklets. There is also another reason why you shouldn't necessarily rely on just the code by itself. If it's really THAT important to you then try to confirm it with solid accurate information, like maybe from the artist/band/etc. or recording/mixing/mastering engineer(s), if even possible. Edit: A disc can have more than one code, especially if it's a compilation.
@@audioarkitektsI seem to remember purpleghosts’s interpretation too. I am 60 now. Built my first speaker in 74 first amplifier in 76. Never got professionally involved in this hobby but had the chance to visit The Record plant, Sterling Sound, The Hit Factory, and several recording studios 40 years ago.
CDs 💿 better sound quality and u own the music 🎶 and support the artist 👩🎨 Streaming lazyyyy 😅 people who get all the free music on their cheap cell phones and low quality sounds and keep paying subscriptions to own nothing but thin air 😩😩😩
I thrift market for most of my CDs these days. I have purchased great acts such as DMB, U2, Neil Young, Dave Brumbek, Hall & Oats, all at $1.80/ea! The vinyl revolution works for me. At forty dollars for most debuts, I'll keep shopping for CDs.
I want to start collecting CD’S to fill my hunger for collecting physical media. I’m only 13 and having the money to buy more records is rare so maybe I’ll start collecting CD’S as well.
I think it’s awesome that you have an interest in CDs! It’s definitely a less expensive way to collect your favorite music. I do have a small collection of records and I can honestly say I never play them.
In early days of CDs.The quality was a hit ot miss with low quality and the European versions were top of the line. Example was with Queens Flash Gordon Soundtrack was Superb with European releases was an awesome .The American release of the same soundtrack was horrible low quality copy. Like night and day.I learned quickly to be aware CDs can very greatly based on the Studio. $$$$$ It's all about money 💰
Quick Question, Sir. I want to catalog my music, films and album collections, and I want to be able to use a handheld bar-code Scanner . Discgogs is mostly about LP's, and I hate using my phone as a scanner. I have over 550gb hard drives full of music and need software truly dedicated to cataloging. Is there software out there that will allow hand-scan and keep gong? Media Player is SO hard to use...please help!! Thanks
Great video. Cds have tons of aspects of collectability. Early Japan West Germany discs , rare unheard of bands, masterings, it's all there ...and you can play them and they wont wear out! You can find and sell genres you dont care about to finance the ones you want too
8:49 The opposite is true. Radio stations never play anything "as loud as it's mastered" and compress everything you hear. Have you ever heard a song on the radio which required you to adjust the volume because it sounded softer or louder than the previous song? This makes the loudness war even more stupid because for radio play it doesn't make any difference.
It’s not a collection but a working library. Every CD has been used over the years in many radio shows. Good will and charity has helped but there are gaps on streaming platforms where own a physical media is the only way to hear it. I hate the idea it can revive memories music is very much a thing of the now. If you want the past there are better ways which are personal to do this.
I like cd's because I can get them cheap. This means I can take a chance on music that I wouldn't buy if costlier. Always looking for new music because I tire fast when it comes to listening to the same stuff over and over.
People should collect the original release of the CD from the 80s and not the remaster which often sounds worse! I find amazing CDs from charity shops and thrift stores.
Pro tip for anyone thinking about getting into or back into collecting. Go to your local library and start borrowing CD’s! Some local libraries have thousands of them. It will save you a ton of money and it will scratch your physical media itch and reduce clutter in your house. If you really love it and find yourself actually having the time to listen to them, prices are low right now to start buying.
I remember when CD first came out I and many others felt it was crap and vinyl is the best way to collect and listen to music. To this day I only buy CD if the maker of said music has not put it out on vinyl. One thing I agree with you is that physical media is the best way to listen to music most of the time.
Good morning, ☕️☕️ Used market, second hand stores (Thrift Shop -Macklemore 👍😆) Amazon and even friends & family who no longer want them ..they’re around . In an age where you might find a song ”no longer available” on your playlist…having an original physical copy is worth it…or it might be the only version of the album / song that you want. Thanks for the rant space ☕️☕️🍕 Have a great weekend.
I try and avoid CD's pressed in the US in the 80's, quality is apparently sub-par. I only look for W German, UK, and Japanese pressings leading up to the early 90's.
Just started watching your channel very good content, I've also just got my cd collection out of the attic, 40 years worth but not used in decades, streaming etc, also purchased a few vintage High end sacd dvd audio players, to upgrade and use with my dacs and stand alone .its great to be using real cd dvd bluray music etc,looking at your previous content is very useful as well.i have some quite rare cd which seem to be in demand at fetching great resale value, but I don't think ill be selling anytime soon, thanks for a great channel.
Note, I made a mistake, SPARS stands for Society of Professional Audio Recording Services. Just wanted to clear that up since I only want the best and most current information for you all! 😀
Thanks for clarifying.
I understand the three letter code [ recording / mixing / mastering ] was designed to cater also for analog mastering (for analog media), but the final "D" seems a bit redundant for CDs which are always produced from a digital master. I suppose it is consistent to stick with the three letter code though.
Found out over the years that remasters aren’t always better than the original CD release. I’m glad that there were certain titles that I didn’t replace over the years with remasters that were mastered way too loud. There are a couple of the older releases I have sold or given away that I now wish I hadn’t. But one lives and learns.
I started buying CDs in 1985. I have entire collections by Pink Floyd, The Doors, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult and Alice In Chains and a few other bands. Can't do that with streaming! You are so right about remasters. I bought a remastered CD of Robin Trower Bridge of Sighs and it sounded terrible! There were some high frequency noises that sounded like some kind of digital artifacts and I will probably donate it. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for your support Mike!
i agree with the trower..
Thanks for a fine discussion of the ins and outs of cds! I've been buying them for years, but only started seriously collecting a couple years ago. Love the hunt, and love discovering music I'd been unaware of.
We know WHY we want to collect, we just wanna know HOW without falling for gimmicks.
One more thing…DAC!!!!
Good transports/ drives and a nice DAC ..which can be upgraded gives you a surprising view as to what 16/44.1 ( Red Book) can actually sound.
Currently spinning 💿 on a Denon ( The Beast) 3520 feeding a Topping E70 DAC ☕️
Yes! The DAC is super important for playback! Thank you Carmine!
The CD is still the most reliable physical media for music. I don't see it going away any time soon and it may ever get its hayday like how its older cousin vinyl has.
Vinyl is not going anywhere i have cd's & albums i do enjoy both of them
Great channel thanks for reigniting my passion for cds 😊
Im glad you liked it! Thanks for the kind words!
Bonus tip: check out Japanese issues of your favourite bands' albums. They are sometimes mastered better, they can come with extras the American/European issues don't have such as extra photo booklets, bonus tracks, bonus DVD with live performances etc. They are often pressed better (better centricity, less warping of the substrate etc.)
There are also occasions where download-only tracks for "Western" issues are actually available on CD only in Japan (e.g. AURORA: the 2018 album 'Infections of a Different Kind - Step 1' (incl. e.g. the song Queendom) is only available as a digital download in Europe/USA, the 2019 companion album 'A Different Kind of Human - Step 2' is available as a CD. Only in Japan did they issue these two combined on one CD as 2020 album 'Infections of a Different Kind of Human'.) Important if you prefer CDs to digital downloads.
Yes! Japanese releases are amazing 👏
Most Japanese cds though don't have bonus tracks. I noticed bonus tracks with secondary deluxe reissues in the US or those reissues from the UK.
@@DorianPaige00 That's why it is worth checking beforehand; no point paying the premium (incl. international shipping) if there are no extras and the mastering is the same.
US and UK reissues I always treat with suspicion esp. when they have been "remastered"; which more often than not means compressed and brick-walled compared to the original pressings. But sometimes the extras are worth it and sometimes they do get the sound right.
@@maidsandmuses The stuff I buy was probably a little older and didn't receive an initial pressing on cd. I'm talking 70's-80's soul/boogie music which at times can get out into the weeds. I sort of have to take what I can get as I'm format specific.
I dig 'em for sure! Plus the OBI strips make them unique as well
No, buy as many as you can as quickly as you can. That's especially true if you like older music. If you are going for limited reissues, act now. Hipo-select, BBR, Wounded Bird, Sundazed, and Japanese pressings all need to be acquired first. Cd singles with rare mixes are also highly sought after since those were always limited in the US.
When i was a kid loads of cd's got passed down to me that I had no idea what they where so they just sat in my room untill i was 11 and then i started to love them
Thanks for the info: What I like to see is a list of the best songs with the best recording techniques. So I am still a fan of the original Brother in Arms CD, Last Farwell DVD Phill Colins, Blu-Ray version Hans Zimmer in Praag.
The tips on starting small are particularly true.
Thanks for the video. I'm with ya.
Jesus. Now we need a video to tell us how to collect CDs-the right way. Oh no, I've been doing it wrong since 1993.
Nothing wrong with collecting CDs, I have about 800+ myself, but as it is with vinyl records (I have 700+ of those too) CDs and vinyl records are one of the worst "investment" vehicles one could choose. If one is collecting vinyl or CDs as an investment, then good luck not losing your shirt.
The reality is that CDs, like vinyl records are either worth what the rumors say they are, which is a bad thing or they are worth what they really are ($1, $2, $5, $10..)
If I were to believe the prices I saw two weeks ago at my local record fair, I would have to believe I was sitting on about $3 billion dollars worth of records (exact same pressings and all)! I don't believe any part of that for a second. The records I picked up for $2, $5, $7 or $10 or $40 are worth the same now as they were when I bought them because I have also restored them improving their condition, but they are not worth 5000 times what I paid or even 10 times what I paid in reality. If one wants a quick reality check on real record value, just try asking for $20 for a Dylan record for example that was a reissue in the 1980's for $20 (which is the price I saw on them). I bought mine new in the 80s and not a one was more than $5. If I tried to sell said record now, I would not get more than $1 on my luckiest day even in the excellent condition they are.
For an example of how crazy record values are: I have a box set by Mannheim Steamroller that was going for $250 in VG+ condition. I bought said set on Discogs (my one and only Discogs purchase), because some guy was offering it for $45 in VG+ condition. There were only around 20,000 made. What I got was surprising in a good way, it was not in VG+ condition, it was NOS, still in factory wrap! Checking the price when I got delivery showed it worth around $260. Did I open it? Yes, I did because a week later the value was $46 and stayed that way for a while. A couple or 3 months later it was back to $240 and after a couple of weeks, back down to $45. (I have not played any of the records though as I already have them in separate versions). The reason I checked "value" as I did for a little bit was pure curiosity. I won't ever sell it.
CDs don't fair much better. Of course, I have no intent at any time of ever selling even one of my records or CDs. I collect records and CDs to listen to and enjoy, period, end of story. (In the case of records, make that restore and enjoy).
I even question out of print CDs and such. I have 5 CDs right now that have been going for $200 each for years and are still that price. Why? I have no clue. Apparently, there were very few made and they are out of print. I may have a couple of others that are fetching a pretty penny as well. So just in the five CDs I have $1000 in so-called value. I bet I could not get more than $4 each if I were to sell them.
I just do not understand the pricing or market on vinyl or CD, it makes no sense.
I don't concern myself with it though except for being priced out of the market now, I'm not paying $50 for a $10 used record or $15 for a $5 used record.
I buy records and CDs to listen to them, not put them someplace waiting to cash out somehow.
The CD market is still affordable though (but if this kind of talk gets around, it won't be for long).
The common albums that were mass produced should always be affordable, both CD and vinyl. I feel like the rare or limited run albums should be priced accordingly. The only way these formats will survive is if there is inherent value for the artists. Otherwise, they will all go full streaming. I totally feel you, though. There is no reason why a vinyl record with no real value and that's readily available for sale should be going for $50.
@@audioarkitekts I was in that side of the industry myself partly (the business side) as I was the artist side as well, both worlds (being on the artists side or world was rewarding and wonderful. As for the business side it was not as official but more education (I used the knowledge in my roll as booking rep for some bands. Primary note to anyone in that position: Take as good care as you can of your bands you represent, they are family, not tools!!!! At least that is the way I saw it and operated)!!! How I ended up there, is a mystery.
Anyway, artists whether not well known or very well known make very little from record or CD sales that are distributed, which is a shame. Back in my time the average was about 1% at best for every unit sold and a unit = 1000 records bought buy retailers, not consumers. On average the artists made nothing from consumer sales, only distribution. So if a retailer paid the label distributer $1000 for a unit of records, the artist would get about $10. Streaming today pays less than that, but the rub is that the artist gets about 1/4 to 1/2 cent for every stream. So if there are 1000 streams of the song the artist gets about $5. All the rest of the money from sales, etc. goes to the agents, label reps, lawyers, CEOs, etc. It is all contractual, which is why many artists who are long in the tooth and famous or not wait for their contracts to expire and go independent or find labels that have more fair contracts as opposed to the big ones whom are notorious for unfair practice.
Artists make the most money from merch, concerts especially and direct sales (if allowed).
Any opportunity I have to purchase a physical recording direct from an artist I do! The cost is also usually less than through retail as well, famous or not and one is supporting the artists bringing them wonderful music directly. (I do not purchase files or streams).
I agree that the rare or very limited run albums should be priced accordingly, but that does not mean "limited run" = 500,000 and priced at a level requiring a mortgage. A limited run is 20,000 or less global distribution in my mind (30,000 or less by official definition). For example, currently, that Mannheim Steamroller box set I mentioned can be had in Mint condition, same as mine (if seller is honest) for $110 at lowest. Highest is $254 in same condition. So as we see, seller names the price depending on how serious they want to sell it or until someone with more money than common sense comes along and buys it. For this example, $110 to $150 sounds about right, while $250 is overly ambitious in my opinion even though it was a very limited run of about 20,000 units to 30,000 units distributed globally.
As for those 5 infernal CDs I have by an artist called Solar Fields that are still $200 each if you find them, they all have more copies now for around $15, so why are the copies I have which are no different, don't contain extra tracks, etc. still $200? I don't get it. One of the albums is now selling for $115 for the more copies version!
I just don't understand. Likely due to a lack of logic about the whole thing. If there was logic to it, then a number of folks would understand it.
That goes for just about anything
Side projects of great musicians and members of great bands can be pretty amazing, too.
I have noticed masterings from the mid-00s onwards having so much bass that I need to turn the bass down so as to not let it overwhelm the performances in the other frequency ranges present further back in the mix of the recording. Would you agree that this seems to have been purposely done to cater rather to earbud listeners than home stereo speaker listeners?
I had a huge cd collection, but I got rid of hundreds as I found I wasn't playing quite a few, I'm listening to different music than I was 20 years ago, there are a few that I rarely play, but like to still have in that rare mood and play it. But I prefer not having so many that I never play.
Then get rid if them !
@@TyroneEpps that’s what i said I did, do you just want to be contrary for no apparent reason? What a joy to be around…
@@ItsAMadHouse360 no comment
Any opinion on the MUSICIAN Aquarius R2R DAC vs the La Voce S3 Discrete DAC? Thanks!
Some people just hate having “things”
Brother mike u said it
Is the yamaha cd-s303 a good player? thank you.
It has a lot of value because of the price. I have heard great things about it and will be reviewing it soon.
@@audioarkitekts thank you very much.
Cds Are pretty cool way to listen to music The one thing I like about cds Compare to music on RUclips website. Is I don't know how to worry about Cox communication Cutting my music off. But I will still need to worry about electricity.
ever heard of CD bit rot and can it be fixed ???????
I have been collecting CDs since the late 80’s and have never experienced cd rot.
Back up your physical library!
buy em all
How to Start? Buy Artists you like
Last year was the 40th anniversary of the compact disc. It's interesting to see it's rise and fall from grace. Much like vinyl in 2006 and cassettes in 2015, I expect a resurgence of CD's by the end of this decade.
It's already happening! More and more manufacturers are making CD Players now!
The complete disrespect for album art and liner notes in the digital medium I think is part of the driving force of bringing back physical medium.
I look for CDs at thrift stores and have had some luck.
But I find that many are in bad shape w/ many scratches on the information side. I think this occurred because CDs were first marketed to us as indestructible; the opposite of vinyl. We were told you could throw em against the wall, bury them in sand for a couple thousand years and they still play flawlessly.
And I know my car CD player w/ it’s automatic feed damaged my CDs as well.
Most play well however but finding scratch free CDs is really difficult.
And of course it impacts trade in value.
Thanks!
@audioarkitekts while less and less places are selling cds.
I still have some of first CDs from 1983 they sound just as good as when I bought them
The store where I shop you can buy by 10 CDs for $3 that is a steal
That is an amazing deal! 👏
I've been collecting classical music CDs since 1984. Lately I've discovered a class of CD that is considered worthless. The music club issue. I have about 50 such CDs and contrary to common wisdom have found there is no difference in sound quality between these and their retail counterparts. At prices averaging $.99 per CD in usually very good condition, I found it a great way to get superior performances and versions I would not otherwise be able to find.
I remember owing Columbia House a lot of pennies!
I have to question your analysis of the Loudness War. I'll agree that the very most egregious examples are behind us, but in general the Loudness War is still very much alive. Despite many predictions that it'll soon end, I haven't seen any evidence of that yet in 2023. I haven't seen anything from the back catalog being remastered to bring back dynamic range. I would love for record companies to start mastering CDs for sound quality again, but right now that's a hope, not reality on the ground.
They have stopped using the aggressive dynamic range they used back in the 2000s. Many online say its over, but I do agree some new CDs don't have the dynamic range or sound quality they deserve.
Worst offenders these days are “country” CDs. They still master them extremely loud.
👍🏻😎 I'm 58 and I have been collecting CD's since 1984 and I have an extensive library of first press CD's from the 80's. Japanese and West German pressings with smooth side cases. They are fantastic sounding compared to the brick walled and compressed remasters that came out after 1995. Even the the first CD's made in America that came around in the late 80's are good. I can't really hear any difference between them and the earlier Japanese and West German pressings. My advice would be to stay away from CD's remasters that came along after 1995 unless you want a headache after listening to one song.
Onya Mike- More great content! There is so much added joy and security in finding that treasure you've been searching for, and knowing that in most cases, the CD will be free of defects and flaws so common in old vinyl and even new re-issues. Researching the best version is also an absolute fascination for me. Thanks for your leadership in keeping faith in our beloved format. Love to hear your views on SACD, Blu-ray Audio and even a blast from the past- DVD-A.
Thanks for your support Bruce!
i’m still collecting and been collecting, reselling, etc for 37 years.. have around 20,000 with no hits, collections, soundtracks etc,
mostly all forms of Rock/Metal studio albums(cds) from 1975-1985, no fakes, burns, russian, or unofficial labels, tons of japanese versions..
few hundred gold discs as well..
great cd collections are starting to pop up at auctions etc due to money issues and old collectors dying off..
That's an impressive collection! 👏
When is Your garage sale? 😅
thanks!, i’ll die with my collection, haha,..
i should make good videos for you tube,. did put a couple here but don’t think they turned out good, so haven’t since,.
love your video discussions steve i find that a half decent transport and dac will give it more of an analogue sound 😀 to my system got rid of vinyl in 1984 and havnt looked back .mind you choose your cds carefully greetings from Scotland 😊
Thank you! You are right, a great DAC and transport matter!
I ditched my obsolete vinyl back in the mid 80s as well, just like I ditched VHS and cassette. Some people just can't let go of inferior technology.
I do collect japanese 1st pressing cd; 35DP, 32XD, 20PD, or 1983-1988 pressing cd from Japan, UK, Germany and US. Also buy the newly remastered just for comparing the sound with the early 80's pressing. It's for the fun, and thrills. You never know what to expect. Just discovered recently that the "back in black" 20PD-2433 japanese pressing cd sounds so much better than the 2003 remastered cd.
The physical storage really is something you have to start thinking about at some point. They start to take up a lot of room. I have 3x Atlantic Oskar media cabinets. They are a great value. But they say they hold 460CD’s each and I probably only have 800 CD’s and I already have overflow. Irregular shaped CD’s and even the plastic sleeves you might put each jewel case in all take up room.
So far I got 20+ CDs at home. I will keep on collecting more as the years goes on. 8/19/23 ✔️
You have to come back and tell me your progress in a year's time!
I got some greatest hits, the many faces of, 1 complete collection, the essentials and miscellaneous I actually got over 26 CDs as of right now and I will see if I can purchase more in the near future. I'm not really much of a music type person because I don't know if I have musical anhedonia. 8/20/23
point no. 2 100%! resist the urge to overwhelm yourself with whatever you see and want, especially since it's cheap. Be more selective!
I miss Tower Records in Downtown San Diego to buy CD's.
My friend now we have flee market & garage sales they have the best cd's & albums
Ever since I have been watching your channel, I've been obsessed with this format. Not sure what it is. Maybe it's just that it fulfills every niche that gets my adhd rolling and starts an obsession. Sometimes I think I'm taking this a little too far.
It's never too far with CDs 💿 😉
You cannot beat compact discs I play them in my car with my portable CD player and plugged in auxiliary Jack into my car and I can listen all day long to Quality Music try doing that with the lp don't get me wrong vinyl is okay but you have to be so careful with vinyl the scratch so easy all the Care you have to put into vinyl I just recently sold my turntable I'm a hundred percent with only CDs and I still put my cassette deck to good use
I agree 👍
The good thing about cd 💿 you can get to a song a lot faster than on vinyl or cassette.
Agreed lol 😂
There’s nothing good about that. It ruins the whole immersive experience of listening to an album. If you just want to listen to a single song, buy the single or stream it.
@@mickmarsbar81 Or he could just, you know, do whatever he feels like doing with his music, gatekeeper.
@@dangordon2132 Ok, gatekeeper of mediocrity.
@@mickmarsbar81 So sorry the rest of us don't appreciate music at your level. We'll all try to do better to live up your expectations.
Mike the CDs come in jewel cases your storytelling will make you a jewel one day it's an important part of our culture keep your multi-prong passion going.
That being said I lived in Florida & Texas and left Houston Texas after a record 5th 500 year flood when you update this in the future please add archive!!!
I run 3 single board computers with 1k hours of listening on each because local rendering over cleaning or tone arms, cartridges etc... Are beat by understanding how to manage digital .
Trust me if that personal collection is ever lost in a disaster, the blow will be cushion but having some semblance of your previous collection. of course I had to do the same thing with all my books
Thank you so much for the kind words!
There's some errors regarding SPARS.
First, SPARS stands for Society of Professional Audio Recording Services (not sound performance art recording system) and uses a 3 letter code (not 4 as you said).
Second, some of the text on screen, along with the spoken words, is incorrect. The following are the correct meanings but the word "tape" can now be omitted, since it was written before other (digital) storage formats, like hard disk drives, were commonplace:
AAD = analogue tape recorder used during session recording and subsequent mixing and/or editing; digital tape recorder used during mastering (transcription).
ADD = analogue tape recorder used during session recording; digital tape recorder used during subsequent mixing and/or editing and during mastering (transcription).
DDD = digital tape recorder used during session recording, mixing and/or editing, and mastering (transcription).
Also used but less common:
DAD = digital tape recorder used during session recording; analogue tape recorder used during subsequent mixing and/or editing; digital tape recorder used during mastering (transcription).
*It should be noted that these are not a guarantee and there are LOTS of examples where the incorrect one was printed on the disc and/or inserts & booklets.
There is also another reason why you shouldn't necessarily rely on just the code by itself. If it's really THAT important to you then try to confirm it with solid accurate information, like maybe from the artist/band/etc. or recording/mixing/mastering engineer(s), if even possible.
Edit: A disc can have more than one code, especially if it's a compilation.
Thanks for clarifying. There was a lot of different information about this online. I appreciate your comment.
This is how I remember it too. I was going to comment but thankfully saw your comment first.
@@audioarkitektsI seem to remember purpleghosts’s interpretation too. I am 60 now. Built my first speaker in 74 first amplifier in 76. Never got professionally involved in this hobby but had the chance to visit The Record plant, Sterling Sound, The Hit Factory, and several recording studios 40 years ago.
it's somewhat expensive to collect CDs in my country, but still i've managed to get 40+ CDs till now
I still owe Columbia House money 😂
Same lol
That's clod tracy
@@audioarkitektsso do i but that was in 1973
Great video! What storage solution do you use for your CD collection?
Ikea Gnedby. Cheap, representable and one shelf can keep around 180 CD's
CDs 💿 better sound quality and u own the music 🎶 and support the artist 👩🎨
Streaming lazyyyy 😅 people who get all the free music on their cheap cell phones and low quality sounds and keep paying subscriptions to own nothing but thin air 😩😩😩
Anyone ever tell you that you have a great voice for radio?
Thank you 🙏 that would be so much fun
You've got your AAA/DDD wrong. First is recording. 2nd, mixing. 3rd, for a CD, is always D. An LP would be A :-)
I thrift market for most of my CDs these days. I have purchased great acts such as DMB, U2, Neil Young, Dave Brumbek, Hall & Oats, all at $1.80/ea! The vinyl revolution works for me. At forty dollars for most debuts, I'll keep shopping for CDs.
U mean dave brubeck
I collect cds 💿 what I want off of Amazon I just watch what cds 💿 I want
I want to start collecting CD’S to fill my hunger for collecting physical media.
I’m only 13 and having the money to buy more records is rare so maybe I’ll start collecting CD’S as well.
I think it’s awesome that you have an interest in CDs! It’s definitely a less expensive way to collect your favorite music. I do have a small collection of records and I can honestly say I never play them.
I have only recently started collecting CDs. It brings me a huge amount of joy. Also do you collect vinyl as well?
I do have a few vinyl records, I only collect the albums I absolutely love though.
In early days of CDs.The quality was a hit ot miss with low quality and the European versions were top of the line. Example was with Queens Flash Gordon Soundtrack was Superb with European releases was an awesome .The American release of the same soundtrack was horrible low quality copy. Like night and day.I learned quickly to be aware CDs can very greatly based on the Studio. $$$$$ It's all about money 💰
Mastering matters the most!
Where did you get that t-shirt? :D
I sell them in my online shop. Check out the link in the description 😉
Quick Question, Sir. I want to catalog my music, films and album collections, and I want to be able to use a handheld bar-code Scanner . Discgogs is mostly about LP's, and I hate using my phone as a scanner. I have over 550gb hard drives full of music and need software truly dedicated to cataloging. Is there software out there that will allow hand-scan and keep gong?
Media Player is SO hard to use...please help!! Thanks
Great video. Cds have tons of aspects of collectability. Early Japan West Germany discs , rare unheard of bands, masterings, it's all there ...and you can play them and they wont wear out! You can find and sell genres you dont care about to finance the ones you want too
8:49
The opposite is true. Radio stations never play anything "as loud as it's mastered" and compress everything you hear. Have you ever heard a song on the radio which required you to adjust the volume because it sounded softer or louder than the previous song? This makes the loudness war even more stupid because for radio play it doesn't make any difference.
It’s not a collection but a working library. Every CD has been used over the years in many radio shows. Good will and charity has helped but there are gaps on streaming platforms where own a physical media is the only way to hear it. I hate the idea it can revive memories music is very much a thing of the now. If you want the past there are better ways which are personal to do this.
I like cd's because I can get them cheap. This means I can take a chance on music that I wouldn't buy if costlier.
Always looking for new music because I tire fast when it comes to listening to the same stuff over and over.
People should collect the original release of the CD from the 80s and not the remaster which often sounds worse! I find amazing CDs from charity shops and thrift stores.
What's the link to your discord?
It's in the description 😀
@@audioarkitekts OK... looked in other videos and didn't see it... I wrote that on my phone and prob missed it
Goodwill, consignment shops, offerup, eBay.
Physical media can't be taken away and it can be sold when you're done with it... that goes for movies and software too.
can ram in markham ontario. has cd cabinets and i have 7 of them and they have proven to stand the test of time,.. i need more! haha..
Just when i think im done collecting cds for the collection or for the types of music i like...im not lol
I own over 7000 CDs vinyl and cassettes.
Pro tip for anyone thinking about getting into or back into collecting. Go to your local library and start borrowing CD’s! Some local libraries have thousands of them. It will save you a ton of money and it will scratch your physical media itch and reduce clutter in your house. If you really love it and find yourself actually having the time to listen to them, prices are low right now to start buying.
Ideal for personal mixed singles from albums.
I remember when CD first came out I and many others felt it was crap and vinyl is the best way to collect and listen to music. To this day I only buy CD if the maker of said music has not put it out on vinyl. One thing I agree with you is that physical media is the best way to listen to music most of the time.
Thanks for sharing. Yes, physical media must be kept alive!
Good morning, ☕️☕️
Used market, second hand stores (Thrift Shop -Macklemore 👍😆)
Amazon and even friends & family who no longer want them ..they’re around .
In an age where you might find a
song ”no longer available” on your playlist…having an original physical copy is worth it…or it might be the only version of the album / song that you want.
Thanks for the rant space ☕️☕️🍕
Have a great weekend.
Thank you Carmine! 😊
I try and avoid CD's pressed in the US in the 80's, quality is apparently sub-par. I only look for W German, UK, and Japanese pressings leading up to the early 90's.
@@OWEN-CASH Early US pressings had an inferior metallic layer leading to the onset of early disc rot
Best advice, dump CDs altogether. Vinyl.
Just started watching your channel very good content, I've also just got my cd collection out of the attic, 40 years worth but not used in decades, streaming etc, also purchased a few vintage High end sacd dvd audio players, to upgrade and use with my dacs and stand alone .its great to be using real cd dvd bluray music etc,looking at your previous content is very useful as well.i have some quite rare cd which seem to be in demand at fetching great resale value, but I don't think ill be selling anytime soon, thanks for a great channel.
Thank you for the support Paul! 🙏