who needs a cd player anymore

You've found something that works for you, and that's great.

Do you have a back-up plan if your storage drives take a dump and lose your data?

I'm not one for absolutes. I just bought an Esoteric universal player, and I also own a Squeezebox. I enjoy each for its strengths.

For me, playing a CD is simpler than importing and searching for music on a computer. Plus, I don't have to worry about backing up data and storing the CDs for the time when my computer dies (it's happened to me before).

So, for those who have converted to computer audio, I say bravo and enjoy.

At the present time, making the total switch to hard drive audio is not for me.

03-08-09: Eastein
CD's are obsolete and CD players will fade away.

The same thing was said of LPs and record players, VCRs and other technology that's still around. Perhaps some are saying the same thing about books now that Amazon is onto the second version of Kindle.

Absolutism is dangerous, and more often incorrect than correct.

03-08-09: Audiotomb
vcr's are not obsolete?

Merriam-Webster's definition of obsolete is "no longer in use or no longer useful".

Considering VCRs are still sold (do an Amazon search if you like), and they are still used in thousands of households, I would say the answer to your question is no.

Many people have moved on to newer recording/playback technology, but that does not mean VCRs are obsolete.

They aren't.

Betamax recorders is an example of an obsolete technology. 8 track tape players is another.

Eastein, you're splitting hairs. There is a difference between technical obsolescence and obsolescence.

I'm certain you agree.

Thousands and thousands of people still use VCRs who will never switch to newer methods. We on Audiogon, who have a fair amount of disposable income and can jump to the newest products, often forget about the vast majority of people who cannot afford newer technology and services. For these people, VCRs are still viable. There continues to be a market for VCRs, which is why VCRs are still manufactured and sold today.

I agree that VCRs are becoming technically obsolete, but that is a different topic. VCRs are not obsolete in the way Betamax and 8 track are obsolete.

The same reason VCRs are not obsolete (deeply embedded use in households over decades) is the same reason CDs and CD players will not be obsolete.

I do not agree that CDs are technically obsolete. When a company like Sony releases a new high end CD/SACD player (ES 5400), then it's proof enough to me that the technology is not obsolete.

Twenty years down the road, no one here will give a damn about the topic of audio format obsolescence. We'll be happy just for the ability to take a healthy piss once a day.

03-08-09: Eastein
... while VHS still works, most would agree the industry and general public has moved from VHS to DVD and is now heading towards downloads and Blue Ray.

VHS is not a good analogy with DVD or Blu-Ray because VHS is used primarily for recording purposes whereas DVD and Blu-Ray are not.

Now, if you are speaking about these formats strictly from the playback aspect, then I agree that VHS is largely obsolete. However, playback is not the primary purpose of VHS by users today.

VHS versus Tivo would be a better analogy, IMO.

A niche market does not equate to obsolescence. If your argument is that CDs will become a niche market, then I agree. In fact, I would say this is quickly becoming reality.