A planet of streaming Internet radio stations and downloads; it may seem antiquated to be writing about compact discs. Yet the CD is far from dead and in fact, we would argue that CDs are on the cusp of a resurgence. Here is why we think CDs might make a comeback:

1. Sales of recorded music are up for the first time in 14 years

Another sign we feel that things are turning around for CDs is a recently published report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, or IFPI. This comprehensive summary of the music industry shows that in 2012, sales of recorded music increased 0.3% globally – the first increase in the past 14 years! Could part of this increase be due to retail sales of CDs? And the report indicates, non-digital revenue was up 9.2% for last year.

2. Big name brands are still manufacturing CD drives

If manufacturers are still making CD players, there must still be a market of people who want to buy them. While brands like NAD may not be as well known as Sony, Philips, or Toshiba, they are reputable companies.

For over 40 years, NAD has been making high-grade home theater products. They have recently introduced a new CD player, the C 516BEE, which starts at around $300. That may seem like a lot for a CD player, but it’s only because NAD equipment is built to higher standards than the Sony Discman you used to have.

3. CDs are extremely cheap right now; cheaper than records and digital downloads.

Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” CD is the best-selling album of all time. You can purchase a digital copy of the full-length album on popular online music store for $9.49.

If you click over to Amazon, you can buy a used copy of the same album CD for under a $2.49 and yes for the whole album. And now you can save that CD on to your pod or smart phone using any kind music software. Sounds great to me! Cheap CDs can also be found at eBay. They are still a great deal and the best of all, they will never crash like your phone or hard drive.