Sometimes, I'm just happy hearing music coming from an Echo in my bedroom. Sometimes, hearing poorly recorded or reproduced music distracts me from the content. Sometimes, I will only listen to well recorded and produced music on my main system. Sometimes, I'm happy listening to MP3 level streams from Pandora. I think it all depends on my general well being and the extent my OCD is kicking in.
Audiophilism is a hobby
This post grew out of another discussion on music vs. sound. According to a poll taken in that discussion, it is clear most A’goners claim they listen to their rigs primarily for the music. Although I don’t doubt the truth of that, I maintain that much of the listening is as a hobby, with music being a very important component. I’m not saying we can’t be profoundly moved by the music but rather that a lot of our enjoyment comes from the sheer sound emitted from our speakers. Great music is of course a vital part of the experience, but with all the manipulations we do with our systems, we are fascinated by the idea of sound in itself as a hobby.