Re: [ARSCLIST] CD versus Download was "All hail the analogue revolution..."

[Mike Richter <mrichter@xxxxxxx>]

Karl Miller wrote:

> I wonder if the classical market is less suited to the download. No doubt,
> economics will be, to a large part, the determining factor...but I
> consider how classical discs have, from time to time, cost more. Plus I
> look to the popularity of labels like Brilliant where collections of the
> "complete" are popular...especially at what they charge.
>
> I also think about the nature of classical music with its wide dynamic
> range and the complexity of sound.
>
> Any thoughts out there as to whether there might be a potential for the CD
> staying with us a bit longer for classical music versus popular music?

In response to your wondering, no and yes (I like to be specific).

The market for commercial classical CDs has no significant competition 
from downloading. The customer wants both superior sound and the 
packaging. There are exceptions, but I believe that that is generally true.

On the other hand there is an active market for live material, 
broadcasts, and recordings long out of print. In general, neither sound 
quality nor packaging offers any advantage comparable with the cost of 
the CD - even when that CD is an underground product from a label such 
as Gala. That business is likely to be destroyed by downloading, which 
appears to bother no one but those living on its proceeds.

Now if only the people uploading realized that an AM broadcast does not 
benefit from 48 Ksps, 320 Kbps MP3s in "stereo"... <G>

Mike
--
mrichter@xxxxxxx
http://www.mrichter.com/