[JoseM]

It's been a few years since I bought any music. My in-laws gave me a voucher for the local electronics store - so I checked it out but it had a woeful selection of CDs.

My previous modus operandi was to get (used) CDs and rip them. There's a place in Everett in WA where I got my last batch.

I like jazz and classical mostly. How do you guys do it these days? Any good online stores? And do you still get CDs, or is it just downloads these days? 

Thanks all.

Jay

[toocool4]

If you don’t have a good selection in your area, you will be able to find some good online stores.

I am a physical media guy, lucky for me I have plenty of shops near me.
Download is a last resort for me, my first choice is LP’s then CD’s then Cassettes and lastly download.

[stlrman]

Spotify , most of the world's great music at your finger tips. I use Amazon music.

[dpatters]

I’m also an LP/CD guy. Amazon and Music Direct are the online sources I use the most.

Don P

[jseymour]

Up until recently I purchased music using a combination of downloads from HDTracks, Qobuz and BandCamp along with physical product from CDJapan, ImportCDs, Amazon and Music Direct. But I have not bought anything since signing onto Qobuz's streaming service (played through Audirvana Studio). There is no difference in quality when comparing the same album from my local library to Qobuz streaming. Now the only thing I can envision purchasing is either a special edition physical release or an album Qobuz doesn't have. So far the albums I haven't found on Qobuz I can live without.

[newzooreview]

I like jazz and classical mostly. How do you guys do it these days? Any good online stores? And do you still get CDs, or is it just downloads these days? 

When I hear of something I would like via Qobuz mixes or reviewers' listening notes or here, etcetera, then I first cross check two places to purchase: prestomusic.com (which has a vast selection of jazz and classical) and the built-in store on Qobuz (almost every track on Qobuz can be purchased for download). I might also cross-check hdmusic.com, but their prices are typically the highest and their selection the most limited for classical and jazz. Finally, I check Amazon for used and new CDs if it is something not otherwise available to download. I also check nativedsd.com if the music seems like something that might be in their limited catalogue (typically audiophile-oriented recordings and some older jazz and blues that they might have a direct transfers from analogue tapes). My DAC plays DSD up to 512 natively, and what they do have at nativedsd.com is of very high quality sonically.

Streaming from local storage always sounds better than Qobuz--more open and detailed across the board, so things that I like are worth purchasing.

From time to time I find smaller labels that also offer direct purchase of CD-resolution or higher downloads.

[Mariusz Uszynski]

CDs 'til the day I die.There's only one good CD/LP store in my town.Sometimes, I have to purchase directly from small heavy metal label, usually underground unknown bands.

[Loki57]

Amazon for cd's  and records

[Saturn94]

Mostly CDs from Amazon.  If the CD isn’t available, I’ll check to see if I can purchase a download from Qobuz.

[Photon46]

For a huge constantly changing selection of discounted Classical cds and SACDs:   https://www.broinc.com  I've ordered from them for many years and always received good service.

The absolute best online store for classical and jazz I've found (but with unfortunately high shipping charges to the USA from the UK): https://www.prestomusic.com/

Another very good source located in the USA for classical and jazz:  https://www.arkivmusic.com  Their storefront has been closed for a while as they build a new website, not sure when they'll re-open.

For esoteric or out of print stuff I want, I frequently go to: https://www.discogs.com  I've ordered from sellers all over the world and never been disappointed with the products.

[Digi-G]

CDs from Amazon and ebay mostly.  Discogs too, especially if I can't find it on the first 2 sites.

I tend to buy a lot of audiophile label stuff - CDs and SACDs.  MFSL, DCC, Analogue Production, Audio Fidelity, Japanese imports and occasionally just a CD that I don't have.  I'll buy an album once in a while primarily as a collectible (I don't play vinyl).  Colored vinyl, special editions, picture disk, etc.  Unless it's a box set I usually won't spend more than $30-$40US, especially for vinyl.  I won't pay the outrageous prices for the audiophile stuff either - I like to find bargains.

Don't have much luck at the brick and mortar stores.  Don't even try anymore.    If it's a place that sells used music I have the feeling I'm looking thru someone else's rejects.

I don't do any streaming but I do get the appeal of having so many songs at your fingertips.  I guess that I literally, like to have the physical media, at my fingertips.

[PSB Guy]

CDs from Amazon, hi-res downloads from prostudiomasters.com, a Canadian hi-res download store. I've never bought used. Until about 2000-2001, I frequented Sam the Record Man and A&A in downtown Toronto.

[Craig B]

I buy discs online. There aren't record stores nearby that sell any albums I'm interested in anymore, except occasionally Barnes & Noble.

For classical discs I tend to buy from Presto Music (they also have some jazz), Arkivmusic and Berkshire Record Outlet.

For most popular and jazz discs I use the usual sources - Amazon, ImportCDs, Collectors Choice Music, CD Universe.

For audiophile discs I use Music Direct, Acoustic Sounds, Elusive Disc, PS Audio's Octave Records, Blue Coast Records and Reference Recordings (the last three being recording companies that sell their own product). And sometimes Mobile Fidelity, though they share ownership with Music Direct, so their stock usually overlaps.