Rediscovering the Joy of Physical Media…if you ever really “undiscovered” it.

In today’s digital world, streaming dominates how most of us experience music, though there can be no denying that physical media still has its fans, and I’d like to count myself amongst them. There’s also the long-talked about “vinyl revival” and the yearly announcement that vinyl sales are “booming”. However, llatforms like Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz offer humungous libraries at our fingertips, making it easier than ever to explore new artists and rediscover old favourites. But amidst the convenience, are we losing something essential in the listening experience? Perhaps it’s like the Dead Kennedys said, “Give Me Convenience or Give Me death!”

This isn’t a nostalgic plea to abandon streaming from some old duffer (though I am) — it’s undeniably revolutionary to our listening habits. But it’s worth considering: Could revisiting physical media like vinyl, CDs, or even tapes reinvigorate your passion for music and deepen your connection with your music at home?

THE CASE FOR STREAMING

Streaming platforms are nothing short of miraculous – it’s basically magic in my eyes. Only a couple of decades ago, who would have thought that we’d have instant access to millions of songs in high-resolution formats? The ability to build and share playlists (still not something I’ve come to terms with) or explore “curated” suggestions tailored to your taste or by people whose taste in music you might share…or think you share? It’s a music lover’s dream, for sure.

But while the convenience of streaming is unparalleled, it does come with trade-offs. Playlists can turn into background noise, and the overwhelming abundance of options sometimes makes music feel disposable. Pressing “shuffle” often skips the emotional journey that an album is designed to provide. I’ve written about this before on several occasions, and for many years I rallied against the whole streaming thing, given that for the most part I found myself skipping through tracks and not really sitting and “listening”. In short I used to feel I was missing some kind of connection with my music when streaming, though that has changed somewhat in the last few years.

THE JOY OF DECKS… AND CD…AND REEL TO REEL…AND CASSETTE TAPES

There’s something magical about engaging with physical media. Pulling a record from its sleeve, reading the liner notes of a CD booklet, or even hearing the satisfying “click” of a cassette tape provides a tactile connection that streaming simply can’t replicate, though I’m sure some clever boffin will be working on this even as I type.

For many, these rituals heighten the listening experience. And here’s (perhaps) why:

• Intentional Listening: Physical media encourages you to commit to an album or a playlist. There’s no “skip” button on a turntable, and that focus can lead to a deeper appreciation of the music.
• Artwork and Storytelling: Album art, lyrics, and liner notes turn music into a multi-sensory experience, giving you a window into the artist’s vision.
• Sonic Differences: Vinyl is said to have a warm, organic sound that many adore, though that very much depends on your kit and the sound you have gone for, and even whether vinyl has a “sound” is a whole new discussion in itself. CDs, many claim, can still outperform streaming in reliability and clarity, especially for those without robust internet connections, but the latter is becoming less and less of an issue. For others, CDs just don’t sound right, and I recall Keith Richards’ comments about the format from many beards ago.

GO HYBRID

Of course, there’s no need to choose one over the other these days, and this is something we at HiFi PiG Towers have embraced fully in the last few years. Many other HiFi enthusiasts have chosen a hybrid approach, combining the convenience of streaming with the immersive qualities of physical media. Here are some tips to strike the perfect balance:

Start Small: Invest in a turntable or a quality CD player, and pick up a few albums you love. You don’t need a vast collection to enjoy the benefits, though collecting vinyl can prove addictive and expensive – I’m writing this on Saturday and have just received a notification that I have a package of records arriving on Monday from Germany costing a couple of hundred quid.

Create Dedicated Listening Sessions: Set aside time to enjoy an album from start to finish, free from distractions. I reckon that this is vital to enjoying music at its best, anyway. Music CAN be background noise, but nothing beats sitting down and getting truly immersed in the tunes you are listening to. 

Use Streaming for Discovery: Explore new artists and genres on streaming platforms, then buy physical versions of the ones that resonate deeply. I do this regularly, and I’ve discovered lots of new artists —ROON is fabulous for this. 

Don’t Forget Radio: I LOVE radio and still believe that radio is a great way to discover new music – I’ve written about this before. BBC Radio 6 is my go-to station, and the BBC Sounds app allows you to listen back to your favourite shows. DJs are knowledgeable and passionate about the music they play and I’ve discovered some real gems from both past and present. Does anyone else remember listening to John Peel on Radio 1 and hating at least half of what he played but loving the rest? 

FINDING YOUR GROOVE

Ultimately, it’s not about rejecting streaming but about reintroducing intentionality and joy into your listening habits. By embracing physical media alongside digital, you can craft a more meaningful relationship with your music. After all, isn’t that what HiFi is all about?

What are your thoughts? Join us in social media to discuss.

Stuart Smith