CDs are better than vinyl and most people listen to music on systems that sound dreadful
CDs are in every way better than vinyl records. They are smaller, much higher quality audio, lower noise floor and don't wear out by being played. The fact that CD sales are behind vinyl is a sign that the world has gone mad. The fact you can rip and stream your own CD media is fantastic because generally remasters are not good and streaming services typically only have remastered versions, not originals. You have no control on streaming services about what version of an album you're served or whether it'll still be there tomorrow. Not an issue with physical media.
The vast majority of people listen to music using equipment that produces audio of poor quality, especially those that stream using ear buds. It makes me very sad when people don't care that what they're listening to could sound so much better, especially if played through a hifi from a CD player, or using half decent (not beats) headphones.
There's plenty of good sounding and well produced music out there, but it's typically played back through the equivalent of two cans and some string. I'm not sure people remember how good good music can sound when played back through good kit.
In terms OF bad equipment you're right. however, good audio equipment is expensive and the Vast majority of people don't want to spend that much just on some headphones to hear something they aren't really paying attention to.
Audio equipment is a little daunting for the lay person, especially with all the goofy marketing. You can find gold plated wiring that's actually carbon nano tube NASA^TM space age technology, but it perceptively doesn't do jack. Also, when I was younger I didn't do so well taking care of my hearing so a good sounding gear isn't always "worth" it for me.
Edit: I don't regret the raving, but take care of your ears people.