Despite the Recording Industry Association of America’s assertions that compact discs are “a better value than ever,” most Boston University students said they did not purchase CDs frequently and saw no reason to change their habits.

“Most people get music on the net — why buy if it’s free?” asked Bill Kidder, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. “If you’ve already gone away, I don’t see you going back. I haven’t been in a CD store in so long.”

“People don’t have a compelling reason to stop downloading or sharing files,” said CAS senior Erek Slater.

The RIAA claims CDs are still a good value and have actually decreased in cost. The average retail price for CDs in 1983, when they were first introduced, was $21.50. The average retail price last year was $14.64. Minutes of music also increased, from 41.6 in 1983 to 55.0 in 2001.

The RIAA also compared the cost change in CDs from 1985 to 2001 to the change in concert ticket prices. CD prices decreased by 15 percent over the period, while ticket prices rose 166 percent. Other forms of entertainment, such as basic cable monthly rates, movie tickets and hardcover books, increased from 1993 to 2000 while suggested CD list prices dropped.

However, BU students did not see these statistics as advantages.

“It all depends on what you’re interested in,” said School of Management freshman Teddy Kaplan. “If you’re a big movie buff, then it’s not a better value. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.”

“It depends on what you want,” agreed CAS freshman Alison Duffy. “Since you can download what you want, CDs aren’t worth anything.”

However, some students said lower prices might encourage them to buy new CDs.

“If I saw a CD for $6.99, I’d definitely buy it,” said Tessa Carchidi-Benau, a CAS sophomore.