Music

fresh stack of CDs just arrived from japan 

yes, the CD format is still thriving. a huge catalog of music is available and new releases continue to be issued alongside digital and vinyl.

most vinyl pressed after the mid 1980s is music that was recorded digitally. so besides the trademark distortions of the format like surface noise and wow/flutter, there aren’t many “analog” characteristics to modern vinyl pressings.

the CD format enjoys significant popularity in audiophile/hi-fi communities because it’s often much cheaper (and easier) to attain a high level of performance via CD playback vs. digital sources like streaming.

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as is often the case for many things, Japan perfected the redbook CD format several times over.

iterations include proprietary formats like:
- SHM-CD (super high material CD) by Universal/JVC
- Blu-spec CD (blu-ray spec CD) by Sony
- XRCD (extended resolution CD) by JVC
- HQCD (high quality CD) and UHQCD (ultra-high quality CD) by Memory-Tech

to this day, UHQCD remains the pinnacle of redbook CD playback. developed by Memory-Tech as a successor to HQCD, it uses a high-fluidity photopolymer that better molds into the stamper to form more accurate pits.

other niche formats exist like SACD developed by Sony/Phillips, but they require specialized players and never gained popularity outside audiophile circles.

the merits of high-res SACD vs. redbook CD formats like UHQCD remains contentious. some claim high-res contains more detail and informations, while others believe in a more purist approach to maximize redbook format.

maybe I’ll start writing about this sort of thing if there’s any interest. I’m a fairly serious hi-fi/audiophile enthusiast in my spare time, but never know what to do with this weird niche info. it’s kinda fun.

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haha that’s true, I hadn’t even thought of that use case for buying CDs. I admire your dedication.

I still buy CDs when I’m here because licensing drama with Apple and Spotify means a lot of music doesn’t make it to US streaming services or even to buy! So I rip MP3s still in 2024!

depends on the release, quite a bit of stuff is still available new but it really depends. if it’s not available new then yes, you need to buy either used or new old stock which can be pricy.

I’m mostly buying sealed SHM and UHQCD releases because I’m insane and listen to music on a very revealing set of speakers, so I often spend $20-30 USD per CD, $40 max. I’ve bought a couple really rare ones in the $100-200 range. but regular CDs can easily be in the $10-20 range.

this batch is from a seller on eBay, which surprisingly can be a good place to find stuff. usually the best place to start is CDJapan and of course the USD/JPY exchange doesn’t hurt: https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/

I’ve also heard HMV Japan is good but havent ordered myself: https://www.hmv.co.jp/en/

lastly, discogs is a good place to search for releases, formats, etc. as well as purchase copies via their marketplace. many reputable sellers on there, have bought a few high ticket items.

if you have any questions lemme know :)

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Whoa Japanese copy of Bobbi Humphrey!! This makes me want take a look at a lot of video game OSTs that never make it to the US.

Questions:

- are these actively printed or are these rare, older copies?
- average price of these?
- is this from one store?

> Including digital merchandise (like in-game items), physical merchandise (e.g., shirts, hats), and physical music (vinyl, CDs, cassettes), the global merchandise market will rise to become a $16.3 billion industry by 2030. But as the market matures, annual revenue growth will fall to 1.6%

https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/how-big-can-music-merch-get-midias-latest-report-charts-the-course-to-16b-by-2030

I truly hope we keep the CD format alive. I'm still very happy to buy a CD from an artist I really like.

This article I shared the other day stated that "physical music revenue will hit a peak in 2026. Among the reasons, consumption-driven physical music purchasing is in decline as global regions shift to streaming (like Japan, where CDs remain a popular consumption format today)."

as long as there’s audiophiles I believe it will continue to exist, we buy a shitload of CDs haha.

I find it a charming alternative to vinyl as well, and a bit less fussy.

I truly hope we keep the CD format alive. I'm still very happy to buy a CD from an artist I really like.

This article I shared the other day stated that "physical music revenue will hit a peak in 2026. Among the reasons, consumption-driven physical music purchasing is in decline as global regions shift to streaming (like Japan, where CDs remain a popular consumption format today)."

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completely agree! I love the liner notes, credits, release info, all of that. I usually learn something new about an album whenever I listen.

Yess, i did not expect to see CDs on here but I'm happy I did. 

Also a big fan, even get them in the library at times. Love that they provide so much more context to a work of music than just a song on a streaming platform often presented out of context.

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i have a cd collection so I hope the format continues to thrive.

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there was a period of time in my early 20s when I used to review releases in what I’d vaguely characterize as the “lo-fi” genre and they were almost all cassettes. I had a blog and everything. I haven’t touched one since then though.

Dope selection! Do you like cassette? I found it to be a good compromise between “aesthetics” and convenience, especially paired with a dope original Sony Walkman