Are CD players dead

You might not have a superior format in itself, but with the right setup, the digital files can and do sound better than the original disc. That is enough for me.

Shakey

There seems to me to be a bit of a luddite camp on this thread: while CD never managed to compete sonically with Vinyl, the same doesn't apply to digital, even in Redbook format through upsampled memory play. Hence I would encourage everybody to compare their CD players with a properly set up computer and new generation DAC. It' ll put paid to this thread without further ado. BTW, the best result on Vinyl is via digitizing through Purevinyl and I run a Dynavector DV 507, Zyx Universe + Artisan setup!

"Redbook format through upsampled memory play"??? We are
talking about REPLACING "Ripping" exclusively with
"Downloading". There will be no Ripping of Redbook Format
if there are no CD's. You call Downloading of MP3/i-Tunes
as Downloading Redbook? What Book are you reading? If CD
doesn't compete sonically, MP3/i-Tunes will? Lossless
compressed downloaded 16/44.1 CD material will sound better
than a non-compressed/non-processed 16/44.1 CD Disk? Isn't
it the same source for both, 16/44.1? So, how exactly does downloading/compressing them "1's" and "0's" improve S.Q.?

Pettyofficer,

what I was talking about was playing ripped CD in AIFF format on my Mach2Music through puremusic memory play upsampled to 176.4 via a Zodiac Gold + Voltikus, compared to playing the CD through my upsampling AudioAero Capitole 24/192 SE. Sorry if the shorthand was too opaque.

...and I for one have not been able to detect any difference between a ripped redbook CD and an 16/44.1 download via itunes/puremusic

What we are talking about here, is competing Formats.
CD's (Ripped or Disk) vs. Downloaded Music Files. "Soon
all New Music will only be available via Music Downloads"!
That means CD's (Plus the ability to Rip them) is gone!
You can Rip a CD onto a Music File, and keep the CD as a
physical Back-up to the Music File; but, not anymore if all
new Music is severely strictly limited to Downloading only! You are replacing a physical medium Format (CD) with
a more fragile non-tactile Format in Downloaded Music Files. Even if you believe that there is no sonic difference, having a non-tactile fragile non-physical Music
File Format replace a physical one at additional cost
advantages who??? Not only those seeking better Sonics, but
reasonable reliability in keeping those Sonics longer-I
think not!!! No preparation has been made to make
Computer Audio Downloads reliable enough to replace the
CD, and none is even expected to be done in the near
future. The ability to Burn Music Files doesn't solve this problem-it makes it worse! That which can crash a Hard Drive can certainly crash a Back-up Hard Drive, it happens since they are both the same mechanism. Hold onto CD until Computer Audio Downloads have been developed with sufficient reliability to overcome the drawbacks of their non-physical nature. Instead it is rush/ rush/ hurry/ hurry/ hurry to replace CD Format with underdeveloped premature Downloading Format. This is the first time that we will be exclusively using a non-physical Format. It is not crazy to suggest that we tread cautiously, and not burn our bridges behind us just yet! We will pay for it dearly later on if mistakes are made by being way too premature! Treacherous ground here-keep both Formats!!!

The difference is if your Music Files fragment/ Hard Drive+
Back-up crash/ Viruses/ Malware/ Spyware....etc! Erased
or damaged data on fragile Music Files not so Sonically
pleasing. No such joy (SIC!) with physical media like
CD! Your right, I stand corrected! I should pay more for
the joy of the Former instead of the latter! Don't know
what I was thinking. Disposable Music Files better deal
for everyone around. After all, we all have more disposable
income now in todays Economy! Who wants something that lasts longer-NUTS!!! $$$Ka-ching$$$ $$$Ka-ching$$$

Pettyofficer,

it seems to me that you are worried about the lack of physical backup. May I suggest you use a RW DVD instead of a backup harddisc and sleep soundly?

What's a c-d player?

Having an RW DVD Disk is acceptable, but having a CD Disk is "BLASPHEMY"-Really? Correct me if I am wrong, but I
believe that you can use either one as a back-up hard disk?
The only difference-one of these you get to skip all of
the Computer Processing/conversion/compression/burning. CD's are also Processed, but that is not enough-you want more Processing/more Conversion. Oh-yeah, you want me to pay twice as much FOR the EXTRA Downloading/Processing/ compression/burning....etc.etc.etc! This is your imaginary Trophy Format to replace the real/tactile CD Format? What
Contest in Hell did I win to have this shoved down my throat? Sleep well at night while I try not to choke!
Computer Audio is still in development, it is NOT ready
for primetime-and you know it! I don't think that it is
crazy to keep CD around UNTILL you decide what the hell you are going to do with Computer Audio-because YOU DON'T KNOW YET!!!-DO YOU? We will keep our CD's till you decide! We reject your proposition of getting rid of our CD's now, and just holding our breath untill you get Computer Audio staightened out! You-are-not-ready, admit it! Some of us
can see the Train Wreck coming from dangerous, premature yanking of CD. There is NO TRANSITION, because you haven't planned one out! So what is exactly your plan for this
Transition- Panic/Mass Hysteria??? Bad Idea, Bad Plan!
Hold on to your CD's if you want to avoid it! Less risk
that way! Shouldn't we plan for our own risk, not let you cavalierly risk us? Don't we have a say in this?

This is my last word on this subject. Will have to accept
Downloading Format, and accept eventual end of CD Format.
Lost opportunity not to apply more "Caveat Emptor" at
beginning of CD Format. Still weary making same mistake twice of lost opportunity with Downloading Format. Cannot
unring the bell with Downloading Format. No use beating
the issue any further. "No use crying over spilt milk"!
Enough said. Sorry if any feelings were hurt-my apologies!