Just used the Doppler Transfer app for the first time. Almost 800 songs and no problems, over Wi-Fi.

That’s me done with the Music app for playback.

Next steps:

• manually transfer iTunes Store wishlist;
• find as many alternatives to iTunes Store as possible;
• remove Music app.

I'm also looking at getting a better variety of headphones. AirPods are good in specific situations but can't get the job done all of the time.

Looking at a mix of Audio-Technica and Sony.

@Alligator I'm using Doppler by Ed at Brushed Type. There's a separate Mac app that you can use to sync with the iOS app for transferring files, for which there are a number of wired and wireless methods. I hope he'll eventually merge all of that into one app but right now I'm happy with how everything is going.

@simonwoods re headphones, what kind of music are you listening too most of the time, what’s your listening situation (on the go, at home?), and what’s your budget?

@simonwoods That app looks interesting, and very nicely designed! But in the age of music subscriptions, why buy music? Who is the target audience for this app? I'm still very intreagued.

@simonwoods the only thing is I’ve become a little too obsessed with shortcuts that do needless but fun things with Apple Music and I even succumbed and subscribed to the darn service

@Alligator I've found the streaming option to be quite limited, and restricting. When I buy music, I can take those files and play them in all sorts of ways, in different devices, different pieces of software, and without relying on an internet connection or a continual rental payment.

Don't get me wrong, I think streaming music is getting better and is much better than it used to be but there have been a number of occasions when I've become frustrated by the way it works and the sheer lack of options -- especially when it comes to software -- means I can't switch to an alternative for a better experience.

There might not be much of an audience, certainly not when we consider the large numbers of the mainstream, but I'm hopeful there are enough customers to support even a small but healthy ecosystem; like how physical and local books had a comeback as part of backlash against Amazon.

@UndamnedOne I'm ok paying for it but it's definitely a luxury good. I like the ability to find certain music and testing new things out but even then my taste is too broad to fit neatly into the core features. I'm sure using Shortcuts and third-party apps could help but I just haven't had the time and energy available to explore that just yet.

@SimonWoods @Alligator I think of streaming music services as ad-free radio with me as the DJ. Love them, but when I want to own something I still buy physical or digital copies.

@lukemperez Right now I have M30's and they're great but getting a little worn. I'd happily go further up the line of those as my go-to wired for the desk.

At the desk I mostly listen to a mix of classical, electronic ambient, and scores. Away from the desk it's all kinds, nothing specific really.

I don't have a budget at the minute but as soon as I can save up for this it'll probably be at least a few hundred, since I'd like to get a few pairs at once; improve my M30's, over-the-ear wireless, and wired for a mp3 player. I'm not comfortable with buying cheap, since in the long run that costs more and I'm ok with waiting but I'm also not interested in the high-end since I don't have any use for that right now.