Actually I'm asking myself this question. Should I begin to unload my 8,000 plus CD collection? Physical media is going away. There will be the collectors but they'll compromise a niche market. And I have faith that the quality of digital downloads and streaming music will get better in time.
So that's one of the reasons to hold onto the CDs. They sound better than listening to an mp3 version or streaming it on Spotify. Yet I find myself listening to music I have on CD via Spotify. I don't have to move from my desk or the couch or my gazebo.
The market for used CDs is down. The market for anything collectible, pretty much, is down. It's the economy. But even in prosperous economic times will CDs be worth much. Of course that'll depend on what the specific CD is. Just like vinyl records. But if it's a run of the mill, popular album it certainly won't fetch the original price or even close to it. Again, you can use the vinyl record market as a guideline.
I'd envisioned bequeathing my collection to my son. He'd be thrilled, or so I'd imagined. Now I'm not so sure. But he's only 14 and at that age nothing impresses him.
I asked a friend about this Friday night and his response was that if I don't have to get rid of them then don't do it. The two reasons you'd have to get rid of a big CD collection would be to gain back space the things are taking up or to help your financial situation. Niether of those is an issue for me right now.
My friend went on to say that he envisions a time when physical media is gone and people will want that tactile experience. They'll be searching for used CDs much the same way the romantic vinyl collector is today.
So I think I'll hold onto them for now. How about you? Do you have an impressive collection of CDs? What are your thoughts? I'd love to know.
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