Streaming quality can’t match CDS and DVDS

I was taken aback by Sainsbury’s decision to stop selling CDS and DVDS (News, Issue 611, page 9). It made me feel like even more of a dinosaur than I normally do. I realise the world is moving towards streaming, but don’t people realise this produces inferior audio and video to discs?

You don’t have to be an audio snob to detect the difference. I have a Sony stereo, bought about 15 years ago. In stereo years, it’s almost as ancient as I am. But despite its age it still produces a better audio quality than anything you’ll hear on Spotify or Apple Music. Even if you rip CDS using an excellent tool like Foobar2000 ( www. foobar2000.org) and play the files on your PC, the quality can’t compare with the actual disc.

Before blaming streaming for poor CD and DVD sales, perhaps Sainsbury’s (and other supermarkets – they’re all just as bad) should examine the pathetic range of titles on offer. It’s no wonder people look elsewhere. And I don’t just mean Amazon, but also charity shops. The high street is packed with them these days. Any full-price album or DVD in Sainsbury’s can be found for £1 in a charity shop. You may argue that people donating these discs are doing so because they’ve switched to streaming, but more often it’s because they’re moving house, or just want to clear the clutter from their shelves.

I realise I’m fighting a losing battle though. Streaming is seen as fast and convenient. If you’re young, you expect everything to be available with just one click, and you’re happy to sacrifice quality. I’ll stick with my discs though, thank you very much.

The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!