I may be the only one, but I have found myself having some tracks grow on me through repeated listening. A track I did not like on an album suddenly becomes my favorite after a while. I’m not saying I skip tracks, but I like to give an album from an artist I like and respect a couple of runs, especially when the artist changes their style or does something unexpected. If I like them, I usually give it a go. Also, if I get into a new music genre, it may take some getting used to. I also find listening to internet radio a good way to force myself to discover new artists or musical styles, rather than just playing my old favorites over and over again. Part of the fun is finding new favorites.

There are two types of collectors: those with a massive collection spanning various genres, and those who curate a collection of music they truly love. I found myself in the former category until I realized that I struggle with too many choices. Now, I use Spotify (or Tidal) to sample new music and reserve purchasing for albums I genuinely adore, opting for vinyl or CD formats, or both if the album is exceptional. Then I rip the CD’s to FLAC.

This preference stems from my commitment to the music I buy. I find that I play my purchased CDs and vinyl more frequently, giving them heavy rotation. This commitment allows me to delve into the tracks more deeply compared to streaming, where I often navigate between the “hits” of different albums.

When it comes to purchasing, I buy from record stores or Amazon. I recommend exploring second-hand options for CDs, as they are currently affordable. Although I’ve acquired some HD tracks online, I prefer having a physical copy when I make a purchase.

Yes. I recently acquired the Akurate with their previous DAC technology, Katalyst, and that was a nice improvement from my previous DAC. Unfortunately, my bank account has forbidden me from auditioning the Organic. Additionally, the upgrade cannot be done to the Akurate gears, so I need to buy a new streamer/amp. It appears to be a significant upgrade, but I’m content not to be tempted at the moment.

An additional point regarding vinyl, based on my personal experience, is that it’s challenging to find an inexpensive turntable. Achieving decent sound quality often requires a modest investment, and the turntable needs to be placed on a stable surface and properly set up. If you’re working with a tight budget, digital streamers may be the more practical choice. It’s worth noting that I may be in the minority on this subreddit, as I believe there are discernible differences in sound quality among DACs. However, the differences in sound quality between turntables are even more noticeable.

As a devoted Linn HiFi owner, it’s important to acknowledge my bias in sharing the following sentiments. I believe I have a decent streamer, the Linn Akurate System Hub paired with the Linn Akurate Exaktbox-I (an 8-channel active amplifier driving each speaker element). The streaming experience is great. However, whenever I play vinyl records on my 80s-era record player (Linn LP12/Linn Ittok LVII, Linn Adikt MM cartridge), I am consistently amazed by the remarkable sound quality. Considering the age of this technology, it shouldn’t sound this good. There’s something about the inherent limitations of the vinyl medium that makes the sound more enjoyable to listen to.

The most significant allure of vinyl, for me, lies in the deliberate constraints it imposes. Despite being an older technology, the sound is remarkably pleasing. One notable advantage is that it’s more challenging to skip between albums, artists, and songs, as I often find myself doing when streaming. Playing vinyl compels me to immerse myself in the music without constantly thinking about what song to play next. This is a personal preference, and others may have more self-control.

I recommend visiting a reputable HiFi dealer and experiencing vinyl if you haven’t already. The unique characteristics of the vinyl medium make it a distinct and enjoyable listening experience. However, I must admit that, despite my love for vinyl, I still primarily stream music through platforms like Tidal and my own CD rips.

Because nothing says intellectual enlightenment quite like blindly adhering to a set of unexamined beliefs. Who needs critical thinking when you can just follow the dogma du jour?

Sorry, I’m not sure about the A55, but I have a Sony Walkman NW-A306. It runs on Android, so I can install and use most streaming services (using Tidal), and it allows me to store music locally on my SD card. I think you need an Android version to be able to use the major streaming services. I wouldn’t have the patience to rip music in real-time, as I believe that’s the only way to do it. There may be more advanced methods, but I assume the software needs to be quite sophisticated to hack into the app and its encryption. I would be a little worried about the software going rogue when you probably have to get permission to hook into your operating system deeply. For quality, I think the real-time rip could be bit-perfect, but you will never know since you won’t have access to the original stream. I use Tidal and have my old CD collection ripped, along with some additional HD downloads and some rogue files from the internet. To be honest, I love the new streaming world for discovery, but it also feels a bit overwhelming with all the choices.

Did someone provide you with the DAP, or did you purchase one without researching whether it would grant you access to your Apple Music subscription? I opted for a Sony DAP because I use Tidal and YouTube Music and others. With it, I can download from most streaming services to my SD card for offline use. If you’re considering the illegal ripping route, there are old-school methods that may be easier.