Battle for Supremacy

If you have ever visited any community centered around music, then you have no doubt come across a lengthy debate between those who prefer vinyl (records) and those who prefer CDs. If you have read through threads or participated in discussions regarding this argument, then you have more than likely realized that these arguments can get heated quickly because those who present their opinions on the topic normally feel very strongly. These arguments have a tendency to present specific arguments that justify their stance in the debate. Generally, the specific points argued are usually portability, sound quality, convenience, price and aesthetics. CD supporters usually argue that their format is lighter, takes up less space and is the latest technology. Vinyl enthusiasts argue that the major advantages of their format are that it has better sound quality and the aesthetics of the cover artwork are superior to those of CDs.

This has been an ongoing debate as long as I can remember. But why has this topic continued to be debated? Probably because that differing stances on the subject are formed, for the most part, as a result of opinion formed through experience or indirect biased exposure to the idea. Lets break down the main points of the different arguments that can be made.

1-Portability

Portability includes qualities such as size and weight. This is a war that is normally won by CDs. They are lighter and take up much less space than vinyl records. Not many people carry around a large amount of music media with them, with the exception of DJs. In most cases, DJs must bring their own music media to their gigs. As a DJ myself, I can attest that it is much easier to haul a small 1' x 1' notebook filled with CDs than it is a crate full of records. Although I would prefer to play only vinyl at gigs, many times I will simply bring CDs because that one notebook full of CDs will not only take up MUCH less space than crates of records, it will also weigh coniderably less. CDs will usually dominate with regards to this topic simply because it is nearly impossible to make a convincing argument that vinyl is more portable than CDs.

2-Sound Quality

This topic usually generates the most heated arguments. There are countless threads strewn across the Internet beating this dead horse beyond recognition. In some discussions, you'll find those who argue for a specific format with no supporting information and those who support thier arguments. When most discuss this topic, they are unaware of the differing technological processes that are involved in creating CDs and vinyl records. If they were, then this topic would be settled and no longer debated because once Nyquist's Theorem and anti-aliasing are explained, these questions and arguments for CDs are no longer valid. To generalize, CDs are digital and records are analog. In order to convert an analog signal into a digital one, the process of sampling must occur. The quality of the signal is greatly diminished in this process. In order to prevent a lengthy technological discussion on the 'hows' and 'whys' of this, I will go into an in-depth discussion of this in a later post.

3-Convenience

This is also a battle usually won by CDs. Think about the music store at your local mall. Does it carry records? Probably not. CDs are definitely the more readily available of the two. The CD enthusiast more than likely couldn't even tell you where to find records. On the other hand, the vinyl supporter can easily tell you where to buy CDs....because they're more readily available to the general public. One other factor that influences convenience is that most people do not own a record player. Maybe your parents do, but most only have a CD player. Even if someone has only listened to CDs their whole life and they may want to see what records are like, they may not follow through because in order to listen to records, they need a turntable. So, this effort would involve purchasing a turntable or using a friends...which isn't exactly convenient. CDs are more convenient, simply because they are more readily avaible and the technology is, in most cases, readily available to the consumer. Think about how many people you know have a turntable. Probably not many, right? Now think about how many people youn know own a CD player of some sort. Everyone, right?


4-Price

This argument can fall in favor of either side depending upon a number of variables. Music media can vary widely in price. The variables present in these arguments can differ depending upon what type of forum in which they are being argued. From domestic to imports, from collectibles to limited pressings, from production errors to geographic location; all of these are factors that can determine the price of the media. In order to fully explore this variable, a specific situation must be presented. In a later post, I will find a specific argument to present and explore the options from there.

5-Aesthetics

These arguments are almost, if not always, driven by personal opinion. some may prefer the compact CD booklet and silk-screen artwork on the CD. On the other hand, some prefer the 'feel' of vinyl or the large inserts and cover artwork. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Argue over this all you want, but bring a lunch. Everyone has an opinion, so go beat that dead horse some more if you feel like it.


No matter whether you are a music fanatic or you could care less about it, you undoubtedly have a preferred media. Hopefully, this post has established a basic understanding of the arguments both for and against CDs and records because this subject will be explored in more detail in posts to come. In case you couldn't interpret which I prefer, I am an audiophile and a purist so analog is my preference...too bad I live in a digital age.