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Original poster

How to listen to music on a budget

32 replies

upanddowns · 13/03/2024 20:33

My old CD player is on its way out and I don't currently subscribe to Spotify due to trying to keep monthly costs down, however it might be preferable to buying a new cd player. So I wanted to ask for low budget ways to listen to music. If you have Spotify what speaker do you use to listen? Or if not using spotify/apple music/amazon music etc how do you listen to music? I'm looking for minimum outlay initially, I only listen to music in one room and it's not very big, so no huge speakers required, but would like it to sound good, not cheap and tinny.

Thank you!

OP posts:
TheDogsMother · 13/03/2024 20:40

I have Amazon because I get the music, tv and prime delivery whereas Spotify is just music. Depending on the music you like there is a basic package which doesn't include the very latest music or for a little extra money have the full package. I have a smart speaker but I also use a really great Bluetooth mini speaker I bought on Amazon and cost £20.

Precipice · 13/03/2024 20:44

Why not just Youtube with an ad blocker on your laptop/computer? Free.

CroftonWillow · 13/03/2024 20:46

You might be able to add a spotify/Apple music bundle to your mobile plan for very little cost.

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Music
DSD9472 · 13/03/2024 20:47

I use a relic of a device called a radio! 😂
I now have BBC sounds, so can listen to specific broadcasts when I like. Otherwise, just use youtube!

Original poster
upanddowns · 13/03/2024 20:59

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful!

I like to listen to CDs in the evening, listen to radio during the day.

I don't have a laptop, just my phone and an old ipad.

Will look into Amazon music vs spotify and also at speakers. I just presumed a cheap speaker would sound rubbish. Do you have a link to the one you've got?

OP posts:
RaininSummer · 13/03/2024 21:02

I play music through YouTube on the TV at night.

popandchoc · 13/03/2024 21:06

I have an alexa at home. Usually listen to radio during the day on it but also spotify sometimes. Also listen to spotify in the car and on my phone on the train.

PepsiMaxLime · 13/03/2024 21:08

Alexa and the free version of Spotify

Binfire · 13/03/2024 21:11

Spotify is free if you don’t mind the ads. They don’t bother me at all, I listen to a lot of music on Spotify and have discovered all sorts of new and old music on there. I also use Spotify for podcasts, I use it every day without fail.

I just listen on my phone, you don’t need a speaker if you’re in the same room as your phone/ driving/ walking the dog (with earphones). Spotify is on most smart tvs now too.

ElliesMum16 · 13/03/2024 21:13

Free version of spotify. You could just listen on your phone but if you want good sound just get a little bluetooth speaker. I have a UE Boom which is great, but there's much cheaper ones on the market that I'm sure do a pretty good job too.

Bluebellsinthewind · 13/03/2024 21:15

I've made a YouTube playlist and play it on my phone, Bluetooth,TV and its all free.

TheDandyLion · 13/03/2024 21:15

YouTube music through a Brave browser to disable the ads.

BBC sounds app has tonnes of playlists

Absolute radio app if you can tolerate the adverts

BaronessBomburst · 13/03/2024 21:16

I use the free version of Spotify on my phone and Bluetooth speakers.

Original poster
upanddowns · 13/03/2024 21:59

Ok, I have Amazon Prime, so I'll listen to Amazon Music. I've dug out dds old Google dot for now, don't think it's amazing quality, and struggling to collect it all, but will persevere! I hate tech!

OP posts:
Myopicglass · 13/03/2024 22:01

An Alexa - the sound is pretty good.

LittleOwl153 · 13/03/2024 22:04

What sort of speakers does tour cd player have...I'm wondering if they will plug I to tour ipad or phone for better sound...

SkankingWombat · 13/03/2024 22:21

I use a radio at work (although mostly that's kept music-free set to R4), CDs in the car, and my very ancient IPod at home.

Given your only issue with CDs is the player dying, could you pick a new (to you!) player up second hand from Facebook marketplace? A quick look in my local area has a good number of more basic brands for around £10 and an old-style Bose for £30 (these last forever IME).

Original poster
upanddowns · 13/03/2024 23:25

Myopicglass · 13/03/2024 22:01

An Alexa - the sound is pretty good.

Thanks. When I search on Amazon for Alexa I get loads of Echo dots. Is this the same? I'm not great with tech - just took me ages to get the Google speaker to play Amazon! - and I remember people talking about having an Alexa so somewhat confused now 😐

OP posts:
Original poster
upanddowns · 13/03/2024 23:26

SkankingWombat · 13/03/2024 22:21

I use a radio at work (although mostly that's kept music-free set to R4), CDs in the car, and my very ancient IPod at home.

Given your only issue with CDs is the player dying, could you pick a new (to you!) player up second hand from Facebook marketplace? A quick look in my local area has a good number of more basic brands for around £10 and an old-style Bose for £30 (these last forever IME).

I'd love a Bose speaker, will have a look.

OP posts:
Original poster
upanddowns · 13/03/2024 23:27

LittleOwl153 · 13/03/2024 22:04

What sort of speakers does tour cd player have...I'm wondering if they will plug I to tour ipad or phone for better sound...

The speakers are built in to the CD player, it's a really cheap second hand thing that I've now had ages, but the CD player is starting to buzz and squeak.

OP posts:
Feelingwobblyandstrange · 13/03/2024 23:27

You can get various different streaming services through different means depending who your TV or mobile provider is with. It might be worth exploring - especially if you pay for prime already or have an iPhone.

Original poster
upanddowns · 13/03/2024 23:29

Binfire · 13/03/2024 21:11

Spotify is free if you don’t mind the ads. They don’t bother me at all, I listen to a lot of music on Spotify and have discovered all sorts of new and old music on there. I also use Spotify for podcasts, I use it every day without fail.

I just listen on my phone, you don’t need a speaker if you’re in the same room as your phone/ driving/ walking the dog (with earphones). Spotify is on most smart tvs now too.

I can't cope with all the ads on free Spotify. My phone doesn't sound great either.

OP posts:
Landlubber2019 · 13/03/2024 23:34

I play you tube music via Google home/Bluetooth car stereo or phone. Admittedly we have upgraded to the family plan as we have 4 family members but like Spotify there is a free version. Costs less than buying 2 CDs a month and we get unlimited choices of music to enjoy!

tommika · 13/03/2024 23:34

upanddowns · 13/03/2024 23:25

Thanks. When I search on Amazon for Alexa I get loads of Echo dots. Is this the same? I'm not great with tech - just took me ages to get the Google speaker to play Amazon! - and I remember people talking about having an Alexa so somewhat confused now 😐

Show quote history

Alexa is the voice recognition app
Echo Dot is the ‘smart speaker’ device

You ‘speak’ to Alexa and it plays on the device

Pixiedust1234 · 13/03/2024 23:39

My DDs bought me this for Christmas. They went to the official site as I wanted a pillerbox red one but if you aren't fussy about colour then go to Argos. It has radio plus headphone socket.

Thanks to the 3.5mm AUX-in function, the Groov-e Classic Boombox will also allow you to connect your MP3 player, smartphone and tablet, so you can play your favourite songs anytime, anywhere but if you prefer to listen in private, it also has a 3.5mm headphone socket.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7576582?clickPR=plp:9:13

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