CDs are better than vinyl and most people listen to music on systems that sound dreadful
CDs are in every way better than vinyl records. They are smaller, much higher quality audio, lower noise floor and don't wear out by being played. The fact that CD sales are behind vinyl is a sign that the world has gone mad. The fact you can rip and stream your own CD media is fantastic because generally remasters are not good and streaming services typically only have remastered versions, not originals. You have no control on streaming services about what version of an album you're served or whether it'll still be there tomorrow. Not an issue with physical media.
The vast majority of people listen to music using equipment that produces audio of poor quality, especially those that stream using ear buds. It makes me very sad when people don't care that what they're listening to could sound so much better, especially if played through a hifi from a CD player, or using half decent (not beats) headphones.
There's plenty of good sounding and well produced music out there, but it's typically played back through the equivalent of two cans and some string. I'm not sure people remember how good good music can sound when played back through good kit.
I agree that cds are better. Mostly because they didn't degrade or make pop or crack noises. Sort of sucks that we didn't have physical flat storage for FLAC. Those are the real deal. But then it depends on the studio mix and recording.
If your CD gets one deep scratch or crack the entire thing is rendered unplayable except in lucky cases and with specialized hardware/software/knowledge, and even then it’s a crap shoot - a lot of times what is reassembled isn’t enough to translate into sounds. Strong magnet? Unplayable. 0% of the music can be recovered in a lot of these scenarios. Hung around in the attic for 30 years? Probably corrupted.
It’s more complicated than you’d think! CD’s are easier to accurately reproduce/store and carry more info, but vinyl is far more resilient. It takes a lot of work to make it so you can’t hear what’s on it anymore. Only reliable way is to shatter into a LOT of pieces or melt it down
Most CDs use aluminum or an aluminum alloy as the reflective layer. A polycarbonate layer holds the data. I suppose it's possible that a strong enough magnet could pull up the metal reflective layer off the disc if it was indeed a ferrous metal, but personally I have never experienced a magnet ruining a CD.