I think Danvetc on 1-3 was on the money. And I think people's brains process the strong mids type of sound very easily -- thus, it's good background music. Unlike many people, it seems, I don't particularly like hi fidelity music as background music. It's too distracting, it doesn't stay in the background. If there's some real definition and authority in the bass, or bell-like clarity and crisp transients in the highs, I tend to stop what I'm doing and listen. My foreground becomes background -- not so good.
Horrific Confession and Question
While shopping for classical music in one of the mega retailers recently, I found myself quite carried away by whatever they were playing, finding the selection as well as the sound very pleasing. At the risk of never being allowed to post on this forum again, I am ashamed to admit that I discovered I was listening to BOSE mini speakers which were sticking out haphazardly from the ceiling. This leads me to wonder if background listening presents totally different challenges than focused, attentive listening. Against my audiophile background and judgement, I am wondering if I should install boomier "mid-fi" gear for multi room and entertaining guests when I renovate the house. Any thoughts?