And yet again...MP3 only...

[jaxwired]

I guess I may have to just resolve myself to compromise my standards and start buying MP3s. I like discovering new artists and I buy a lot of new music. Unfortunately it's becoming common that an artist only releases the MP3 version of their work. Used to be the exception, but with CD sales declining, some labels are opting to just skip it altogether, so they only offer the release as an Amazon MP3 recording or on iTunes which is also MP3. I strongly suspect it will just keep getting worse. After a few more years, MP3 only will be the norm I would guess. I'm really sick of finding a new recording I get excited about only to discover I can't get it uncompressed. Unfortunately, the vast majority of buyers don't care about compression so it's not likely to change anytime soon regardless of the endless rumors about a high res iTunes...

 

[still-one]

Like you I would prefer to buy better quality files than what is offered on iTunes or Amazon but their is the occasional release where these are our only options. I have found that iTunes is a very good source for EP's by artists I enjoy. These tracks are seldom offered as CD's,

 

[MusicDirector]

I'd be pretty upset too. In fact, I stopped Amazon from sending me free MP3 versions of stuff, it was driving me crazy. Now if I buy an LP I get just that on the media of my choice, nothing extra. i like it that way, keep it clean.

I am more of the "New to me" crowd as opposed to the "new artist" crowd. (I'm not putting down either one). I don't worry about MP3s and such because I refuse to use them for serious listening. If an artist can't put out physical media or doesn't want to that says a little bit about their concern for sound quality just as much as striving for the best recording possible does in my opinion.
I also don't purchase files of any type, in my book that is just asking for issues. When I want to purchase music I go for physical media. If only files are available for purchase, I go without. That's my personal thing.
I'm also not too worried personally because for me it's either "hmm, I don't recall ever hearing that artist or group" even though they may have been around for 20 years or "Hey, how did I not see that album by that artist"?
The only time I use MP3 and the like via streaming is 1) in research and discovery and if I like what I hear enough I purchase the album on physical media if available, usually is and 2) when I just want background noise.

Just my own thing, everyone else has their own thing.