Thank you all for your input. The truth is, my music preference is probably considered odd for my age, but I generally prefer music from the 60s and 70s and some 80s to today's music. I've also been completely turned off from the pop/rock that I grew up with and much more into the less-commercialized but more talented musicians and genres (ie. Jazz/Blues). However, this isn't to say that I don't still listen to content across the entire spectrum, both chronologically and genre-wise.
I hear what some have suggested RE: continuing to expand my digital collection, but the truth is, there isn't much out there in hi-res digital that I want that I don't already have. SACD, while still a WONDERFUL format, is more-or-less dead unless you're a huge classical fan. I enjoy classical music, but it's definitely not my first choice most nights when I head down to my listening room...it requires a special mood.
Modern day CDs, except for the few that come out on audiophile labels, are for the most part, garbage. Some very talented musicians with some very good music...but overproduced to the point of destruction and it literally angers me. You'll hear a song that you really like on the radio...which is low quality but understood as such...you buy the CD to bring home and throw into your setup and it's dynamically, flat as a pancake. Sometimes you get lucky and you'll find an artist that cares more about the sonic reproduction of his/her music than how loud it can be, but it's few and far between outside of the above-stated audiophile labels.
Anyway - I think I'll kick this around some more, but thanks again for all of your comments and feedback. If anyone has anything else to add, feel free as it's always much appreciated.
I hear what some have suggested RE: continuing to expand my digital collection, but the truth is, there isn't much out there in hi-res digital that I want that I don't already have. SACD, while still a WONDERFUL format, is more-or-less dead unless you're a huge classical fan. I enjoy classical music, but it's definitely not my first choice most nights when I head down to my listening room...it requires a special mood.
Modern day CDs, except for the few that come out on audiophile labels, are for the most part, garbage. Some very talented musicians with some very good music...but overproduced to the point of destruction and it literally angers me. You'll hear a song that you really like on the radio...which is low quality but understood as such...you buy the CD to bring home and throw into your setup and it's dynamically, flat as a pancake. Sometimes you get lucky and you'll find an artist that cares more about the sonic reproduction of his/her music than how loud it can be, but it's few and far between outside of the above-stated audiophile labels.
Anyway - I think I'll kick this around some more, but thanks again for all of your comments and feedback. If anyone has anything else to add, feel free as it's always much appreciated.