Buying Otome/BL CDs

[BlackF]

I only (rarely) buy CDs that I really like or really want to support after listening to them from free online sources or borrowing from friends because honestly they're kind of expensive for me
It's sad because I really want to support the industry so it can grow bigger and more accessible and become more well-known.

What about u guys? What makes you decide that a CD is worth spending money on? Is it your favorite seiyuu, a specific LI, the story, limited editions/bonus tracks, wanting to support the series, or just because u simply could so why not?

 

[Daisy Magnus229]

Same here. I rarely buy them now, especially with AI work scattered everywhere, it's getting a little bit annoying. I only want to buy one if an artist I know on Pixiv shares their cover art for the drama CD. Other than that, I look for drama cd with tags that I really love on DLsite (submissive men *cough* lol).

I don't think the seiyuu is the biggest reason for me to buy a drama CD. For me, it's always art first, then story, and seiyuu last.

 

[liashuga]

Same here Otome CDs can be pretty pricey, so I usually listen to the free stuff first and then buy it if I really like it. But sometimes the story or the samples are just so my type that I get way too curious, and if there's no free version, I just buy it lol.

I'm not really that into bonus tracks or limited editions though. I mostly just care about the main story. I especially prefer hardcore play, which is kinda rare in otome cd. So I tend to buy cds that seem like they'll have the kind of play I'm into!

 

[Cyna23205]

Yahh hehe same here. If there's a CD I really like but can't find anywhere online or trade with anyone, I'll just leave it in my cart and wait until there's a big sale of 50% off or more before buying it.

Even if I had more money than I do now, I'd probably still do it that way lol. I just HATE spending money on a CD only to listen to it and realize it's terrible, not what I expected at all or has a trope I absolutely hate

 

[chuubiey]

yup, but i just bought one lol, i will buy when it's discounted :p

 

[CQUUbCQ]

Naturally, I can't buy everything I want, so I carefully select items I truly love or works I want to support and contribute to. However, even when I intend to be selective, I often end up buying more than planned, swayed by bonus items or sales

 

[Pancito]

Yes, although I don't buy them very often because, as others have mentioned, they can be quite expensive. When I decide to buy one, it's usually not because my favorite voice actor is in it or because it features a specific type of love interest. I'm usually drawn to the cover and artwork first, then I read the story to see if it actually interests me. I also tend to listen to the free preview before deciding. If everything catches my interest, then I'll buy it. For me, the artwork, story, character designs, and overall atmosphere matter much more than who the voice actor is.

 

[SweetTranq]

I've bought around 120 drama CDs on DLsite so far — I usually pick them up during sales or promotions.

Often, I end up discovering a great voice actor just because I bought a CD with a good story. As for the cover art on drama CDs, I don't really care much about it — it doesn't affect the story. Of course, if the art is nice, that's a bonus. Who doesn't love a handsome guy with a great voice? xd

 

[agathi]

Same thoughts here! I rarely buy CDs, but when there is a big sale or discount on DLsite, I go all out and splurge

As for what I think is worth spending on, I usually base it on the tags and story first, then on how good the sample is. I avoid using seiyuus as a basis as much as I can because I still want to discover more underrated yet talented CVs performing audio dramas with stories/scenarios I find intriguing. But ngl, if I see a favorite seiyuu of mine in a CD with tags I love, it will definitely be added to my cart immediately

 

[jurichi]

i'm really happy that i'm in a place where i can afford to nowadays! some seiyuu that i like are active on subscription platforms too so my money steadily sneaks away from me even if i don't have any new releases catching my eye

 

[Flowerr]

I also only buy them once in a while, but usually when they are discounted (unless I see something that rlly piques my interest), I mainly look at the story and see who the VA is, and then decide whether I should buy after listening to the free sample, because I realise that there are certain sound qualities that I dont enjoy as much so I definitely need to hear how it sounds like first before buying!

 

[sweetymana]

I usually buy my top 3 rank voice actor. Since I am kinda picky with voice and settings. I do not like drama cd with no plot. I love a little bit dark vibes plot, about strange village or summer vacation stories the most. Usually I buy drama cd in summer season. Probably I love cicadas noises.