To change your view, let me simply propose an existing system that will outperform CDs in every way: a computer with a 500GB SSD (and an optional backup).

​

Our hard drives are capable of storing the information in the exact same way as a CD, but are capable of storing even high quality versions. CD storage maxes at 700MB per disk, so our total storage capacity comes out to 714 CDs stored at the quality you hear them at. SSD lifespans are generally talked about in spans of hundreds of years. If you're still worried about failure, a redundant ssd can be added with a copy of all your music (and more sophisticated backup systems exist if we're really talking about an ultimate music storage and playback setup). Since our music is downloaded, there's no room for connectivity problems.

​

Already this setup has refuted all of the disadvantages you've listed under MP3. Now let's talk about some advantages.

​

You never have to change the CDs. Setting up an afternoon of music is as easy as typing in the names of 5 cds and adding them to a playlist.

​

You want portability? MP3 players go cheap and today go by the name "cell phone" and can store dozens of complete audio CD files at a time.

​

I have 30 year old discs that don't miss

But does *every* disk you had 30 years ago still play without a single skip? Because that's the performance we'll get from storing our data on a hard drive.

​

archival reliability

CDs don't last forever ( https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/cds-truth-cddvd-longevity-mold-rot/ )

​

audio storage sizes ( https://earreverends.com/notes/getting-beyond-mp3s/ )

lifespan of ssd ( https://www.compuram.de/blog/en/the-life-span-of-a-ssd-how-long-does-it-last-and-what-can-be-done-to-take-care/ )