What to upgrade next.

@oopwah Since the world altering revelation for me of the music services out there and finally checking into it I had to weigh my options. The Tidal subscription is worth it to me as I'm getting access to FLAC files from any artist I can imagine. It also has the added benefit of suggesting artist I like but may not have recalled from the distant past. I think cost wise it's going to be a wash as opposed to downloading or buying CDs whether new or used and without the headache that goes with ripping and the associated cost of the equipment to do it good. If I like an artist I am of the type who generally will get everything they have. This gives me the ability to listen to whatever they have without buying it and then not really caring for it. I don't know how many times I've downloaded only to find a file has been tagged incorrectly and my server is populated by a jillion artist. If I ever have an aneurism this will be the likely cause.

Oopwah - Sounds like we do the same thing, buy CDs and rip to flac using the same software. The computer with Dbpoweramp is currently packed up since I am moving, do you know what bit rate it converts CDs to flac? I know you can also choose the compression level but I can't look at the settings right now with it being packed up. I am curious what the rate is compared to what Dadork is downloading.

I run into the same thing by the way as far as so much content and I do not have as many CDs as you have. Fortunately it is so nice being able to scroll in Plex to view your music, plus I have 15 Play lists I created.
I listen to the radio all the time in my car, so that is how I come across new music.

Dadork - With all your downloaded music you need to make sure you are backing it up to an external if you are not already. The benefit with CDs is that is our backup, even though I also backup to an external. But if my drive with all my Flac on it were to go poof, I still have all the CDs.

As far as 2 channel. I believe when someone refers to their 2 channel system they may also have a sub, maybe someone else can clarify that. That being said I rarely listen with my subs to music in 2 channel, I just find my fronts have plenty of bass on their own.

Concerning Tidal I don't think that would be cheaper than $3-5 for CDs, you have a monthly subscription or if they offer a life time. Or the cost if your purchase and download somewhere else. Either way. Like Oopwah said for CDs all you need is a computer which you already have, external drive,  Dbpoweramp software. The software once you have it setup which doesn't take long, its done. I literally put the CD in, click Rip/convert and 3-5 mins later its done and I am playing it.

At the end of the day though it is preference, do what you feel the most comfortable with. But don't be opposed to trying something different especially if there is a difference in quality for less or equal cost.

Will

@flrun Also I have just discovered Amazon Music is 13 bucks a month if you are a Amazon Prime member and thats with Hi Res 192kHz/24 bit files.








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Dadork,

I have prime, it comes with Amazon music unless you mean the next level up for music.

I occasionally download a song but I prefer buying CD Albums over a single or downloading a album. Could be a ocd thing.