CDs were supposed to be finished, vinyl was supposed to be a fad, and streaming was supposed to make owning music unnecessary. The latest RIAA numbers tell a very different story. In this episode, eCoustics Editor-in-Chief Ian White joins Podcast Producer Mitch Anderson to unpack why U.S. CD revenue surged 58.6% in the first half of 2026, vinyl revenue climbed another 17.7%, and physical music revenue overall jumped 25.9%. They also dig into why Gen Z is buying physical media, rising vinyl prices, the resurgence of used CDs, collectibility, ownership, and why listeners are still spending money on records and discs when nearly everything is available to stream.
Sponsor: Thank you SVS for sponsoring this episode
This episode was recorded on October 9, 2026.
Where to listen:
- Apple Podcasts
- Amazon Music
- Spotify
- iHeart Radio
- Spreaker
- Deezer
- Castbox
- Podcast Addict
- Pod-chaser
- TuneIn
On the Panel:
- Ian White, eCoustics Editor-in-Chief
- Mitch Anderson, Host & eCoustics Podcast Producer
Related Links:
- U.S. CD Revenue Jumps 59% In First Half Of 2026 As RIAA Data Makes The Comeback Harder To Ignore
- Physical Media Is Booming but Are $125 Vinyl Records and $300 Tapes Getting Ridiculous?
Related Podcasts:
- Podcast: Editor-In-Chief, Ian White At AXPONA 2026
- Podcast: Digital Vs Analog With Lenny CoCo Of MoFi At AXPONA 2026
- Best In Show At AXPONA 2026: Must Hear High-End Audio
- RSD 2026: A Record Store Owner’s 13-Year Perspective
Credits:
- Original intro music by The Arc of All
- Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited
- Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios
Asa
October 15, 2026 at 4:16 pm
Great podcast, guys. Looking forward to the SS articles and long-form, deep dives.
Ian, can you add me to your Will? I promise to keep the CDs pristine since you’ll be kick’n the bucket in a matter of days according your youngest…out of the mouth of babes, right? Lol. Rick Beato has similiar stories re: music/bands from his 13 yr. old. Your children are probably in small minority that have a broader perspective on the music world.
Btw, my Oppo and Panasonic BD players are still going strong (the Panasonic still gets firmware updates).🤘🏻
Ian White
October 16, 2026 at 10:26 am
Asa,
My kids care so little (minus #3) about my collection that they didn’t even flinch when I told them how much I’ve spent since 1980 on it. It was like “have fun with that pops.”
Maybe I need to adopt some? I did make two verbal mistakes on the podcast. It’s Ossington Avenue. And I think it was “A&M” records.
IW
IW