Part 7/11:
In the late 20th century, the compact disc emerged as a symbol of perfection—digitally stored music that promised "perfect sound forever." Despite initial fanfare, many argued that digital music plus the advent of the internet, starting with Napster, Limewire, and iPod, transformed the landscape once again. Suddenly, entire music libraries could be stolen or traded with ease, though at a cost to sound quality. This digital revolution led to the decline of traditional hi-fi stores as people prioritized convenience over fidelity. Home theaters and compact, golf-ball-sized speakers took over the living room space, and audiophile culture seemed to retreat into basement sanctuaries, muttering about dynamic range and audio purity.