MP3 sales drop ... LP continue to rise ... are they related? Nope.

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Except, they really are not competitors.
Interesting article in the link below.  Says that digital downloads dropped 6% in 2013.  They compare it to the continued rise of vinyl sales.

While we're all very happy to see vinyl continuing to grow in popularity, since it really does bring a lot of good sound to the table, we are a little skeptical that MP3 and Vinyl are actual competitors since most of the folks use MP3 and LP's differently.

I think it isn't surprising that MP3 continue to fade in the face of streaming services which offer the ultimate in convenience and cost reduction.

What would be interesting is to track the progress (or retreat) of LP and high resolution downloads over time.  Since those tend to be more "event" than "sonic wallpaper."  But, honestly, if you are dedicated to music, you will be invested in multiple formats both high and low quality and fill your day with music when you can, and enjoy the silence when you can't.  It isn't the old movie "Highlander" ... there CAN be more than one.

Engadget Article

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