I think it is important to distinguish between downloading files like HiRez to your hard drive, and proper realtime streaming from the internet as with Spotify, Tidal or Qobuz.
I love streaming. For me it represents the difference between having your own small library of books and access to a large university library that has (almost) all that was ever published. One evening I may sit down for an evening of Bach cantatas, the next day for an evening of Chicago blues or 1960's British pop, or a playlist of music selected by my 19 year old son. It has seriously enriched my cultural experience.
Similarly, do not forget the benefits of internet radio. By now the sound quality of many stations is roughly equivalent to FM (or sometimes even rather better), but you can bring the world into your home. It allows me to listen to almost all Dutch stations, but also to BBC Radio 3, French radio, German radio, NPR from the US, jazz stations form New York, or what have you.
I love streaming. For me it represents the difference between having your own small library of books and access to a large university library that has (almost) all that was ever published. One evening I may sit down for an evening of Bach cantatas, the next day for an evening of Chicago blues or 1960's British pop, or a playlist of music selected by my 19 year old son. It has seriously enriched my cultural experience.
Similarly, do not forget the benefits of internet radio. By now the sound quality of many stations is roughly equivalent to FM (or sometimes even rather better), but you can bring the world into your home. It allows me to listen to almost all Dutch stations, but also to BBC Radio 3, French radio, German radio, NPR from the US, jazz stations form New York, or what have you.