31/07/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

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Treasures abound in thrift stores.

Collecting CDs is a way to reconnect with early 2000s culture. Ű BY R. BALA W ITH prices of compact discs (CD) falling, a new generation of music lovers is discovering the joys of owning music on tangible formats. The vinyl boom has fed this craze but prices are very much in the premium segment, with most new LP releases touching the RM200 mark. However, an alternative to that rather expensive hobby is to collect CDs, especially pre-loved items. With many discount and thrift shops popping up, the time is right to activate your inner crate digger. Here are some pertinent reasons why you need to get those digits slightly dusty and go in search of those shiny silver discs that were once common place in every home. Audio quality At this point in time, the humble CD still trumps whatever streaming or digital download format available. This is simply because CDs contain uncompressed files. The music is presented in its full glory so to speak. No squeezing of data to fit file sizes. CDs use the Redbook standard, which is uncompressed PCM audio with a 44.1kHz sample rate and 16-bit depth. This means that the audio data is preserved in its original form, providing a rich and full listening experience. This should be the primary reason why you would want to start a CD collection. It just sounds better. Crate diggers paradise A quick look around the malls and you will notice more thrift stores popping up, often hoarding loads of pre-loved CDs. Those specialising in merchandise from Japan also offer plenty of hidden treasures. With CDs selling in the millions, the second-hand selection is plentiful with quality titles. There are even rare box sets and out-of-print titles on sale for prices that are well below the vinyl counterparts.

Reasons to start collecting compact discs o Falling CD prices make music ownership much more accessible

A carefully curated CD collection is always a conversation starter. – PICS FROM PEXELS

Crate digging is a very enjoyable hobby.

Investment opportunity Some collectors may be hoping to find some rare and hidden treasures among the many CD landfills, or even guessing that certain new limited editions may rise significantly in price in the not-so-distant future. Punting on prices is always a risky game but if it does not bring in the requisite profits, there is always the great music contained therein to enjoy. Retro kitsch Once upon a time, vinyl records were used as decorative pieces. Prices today mean that one cannot be just gluing those black plastic records onto walls just to achieve that retro look. With CDs now also having that “antiques” cachet and still cheap enough to use as deco, they can provide a living space with some

decidedly old school vibes.

It is not just boxes full of bland muzak but plenty of carefully curated collections that have somehow fallen out of favour. New and sealed Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley box sets have been spotted at flea markets at a fraction of their original asking prices. Conversation starter A carefully organised and well displayed CD collection is always a conversation starter, especially now they have acquired semi-vintage status. It can be a cool reflection of your personality with your music tastes speaking volumes. Those with larger collections may also have a dedicated listening room to showcase their stash. In the age of Instagram-worthy moments, this is most definitely the aim of some that catch the CD collecting bug.

Tangible ownership It has been observed by some media outlets that today’s Gen Alphas are drawn to early 2000s culture. There is considerable nostalgia for a time when not everything was consumed at a click of a mouse. Dedicated music fans like the fact they own the music on CD rather than renting it from some streaming platform. Although nowhere near as satisfying as vinyl, having the artwork and liner notes in a CD booklet rather than a pin-sized thumbnail also adds to the appeal. The compact disc may not have seen a full-blown revival yet but the signs are there that it may happen. Best pounce on those gems while they are still there to be had at reasonable prices!

More younger listeners are drawn to owning tangible copies of music they love.