iPod vs. CD

For certain shows I use itunes and others I buy CD's. I usually use itunes for the CD's that are more expensive than the average one.

Edit: Off-Topic?

Updated On: 6/20/06 at 03:11 AM

I have an iPod but I ALWAYS buy the CD and upload it onto. Not because of wanting "to support the show" or whatever, because zzannahk is right. You can buy something off iTunes and still support the show. The reason I buy CDs is because I like to have like the little booklet and stuff. haha I know it sounds stupid, but it looks much nicer to add a OFFICIAL soundtrack to my shelf instead of the lame Memorex copy.

If you care about the audio quality, you'll get the CD, then convert it yourself for the iPod. iTunes music store is sure convenient, and if you only want one or a few songs from a CD, it's economical...

HOWEVER -- you will miss out on the audio qualtiy of the CD -- and especially for theatrical CDs - segues and tracks overlapping... many theatrical CDs are mastered for continuity -- no gaps between tracks... this is simply not possible on an iPod.

hey, I love my iPod and I buy at least am album's worth a week from iTMS - but for music that I really care about, only the CD

PS -- I am a record producer, and CDs are technically "low-res" as compared to the higher resolution technolgies used for recording... so to an audiophile, a CD is a compromise.

HOWEVER -- you will miss out on the audio qualtiy of the CD -- and especially for theatrical CDs - segues and tracks overlapping... many theatrical CDs are mastered for continuity -- no gaps between tracks... this is simply not possible on an iPod.

Records are better than CDs in this regard; there's still a slight hesitation going into the next track on all the CDs that are supposed to be continuous.

Since someone brought it up, many cast recordings on iTunes have started including a PDF file of the CD booklet when you buy the full album. And it's still cheaper than buying a CD at the store.

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Updated On: 6/20/06 at 06:31 AM

I love my iPod like it's a pet or something. I still get CDs - partly for having the hard copy (it doesn't feel REAL if it's just downloaded somehow), partly for the book, partly because I have a collection I want to maintain, and partly because there's something kinesthetically pleasing about unwrapping a new CD that just isn't there when you download.

That said, I do download some stuff - but not cast albums.

That little skip between tracks IS annoying on the iPod - I have to assume that eventually they'll be able to eliminate it. When you play music on itunes it doesn't have the same issue.

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i do both but cd's more! from differnt broadway areas

Records are better than CDs in this regard; there's still a slight hesitation going into the next track on all the CDs that are supposed to be continuous.

If the CD is mastered correctly, you can listen to 74 minutes of music without any hesitation AT ALL. In fact, it's not uncommon to master a CD using a single audio source... then using the mastering software, you tell the CD to put ID1 at 0:00, and ID2 at 4:21, etc... (overly simplified) - but the audio is continuous.

What cast albums that are supposed to be continuous appear to skip for you? It could be a defect in manufacturing, or a defect at the mastering process... I'd complain, since there's no reason for a CD to have any hiccup or skip or pause between tracks that the creator's didn't intend. The technology is very mature, and there's little that can't be done (in the past 15 years or so).

-- shameless plug: I used this technique on the upcoming Jekyll CD -- there are 3 segues/overlaps that will benefit the CD listener -- that will have a slight gap on an iTunes --

NOW -- there is a workaround on an ipod and itunes -- if you set the playback preference to "crossfade 0" - then segues will work -- but then all other songs are slammed one upon the next... so i personally leave it disabled and live with the gap.

Yes, the CD is going to be a better overall experience -- but that doesn't help you when you are out and about or commuting, etc... so the ipod is a great compromise. BUT PLEASE, do yourself a favor and set your import preferences to a MUCH HIGHER rate than the default AAC/128 -especially for dynamic, theatrical music. For dynamic music, you will really enjoy a minimum MP3 @ 192k. If you have technical skills, you may want to think about using the http://blacktree.com/apps/iTunes-LAME/ -- this is a "LAME" encoder for iTunes - and sounds MUCH better than the stock ripper. But now we're getting a little technical... hope this helps.

Me too, SeptemberKel. I love to see the color photo inserts plus sometimes they come with lyrics and stuff. So it cool to have. I tend to also buy the CD then upload to Ipod. Its like you'll always have the music on you with you're Ipod but you'll always have the CD for the memories.

I have an iPod but always buy the CD just to have a hard copy. For all other music, I usually download it.

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I always only buy the actual cast recordings...never from itunes. I don't want my entire music library on a single computer. It's annoying - and easy to lose.

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I like to uy the CD because I want the packaging. I'm not big on the downloading of music, legaly or illegaly, however I do admit to ripping CDs from the library, mainly because they have things i can't buy in stores anymore.

... The reason I buy CDs is because I like to have like the little booklet and stuff. haha I know it sounds stupid, but it looks much nicer to add a OFFICIAL soundtrack to my shelf instead of the lame Memorex copy.

It would be even nicer if you added the OFFICIAL origianl cast recording to your shelf. :)

But i agree 100%. I like the idea of downloading music instantly and getting material the day it is released, but I prefer to wait for the official CD release with the booklet. It surprises me how many peopld don't care about that or (even wors) only want to buy selected songs from a Broadway score.

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