Music first or sound first?

Music 1st, without a doubt. I can listen to and enjoy music anywhere, on any playing platform. I love music, 1st and foremost. When I listen to my system, the advantage here for me is that it creates a greater sense of I am there, or they are here. Following the " musicianship " and enjoying the " composition " is easy on my main rig. Listening in the car as an example, my brain needs to fill in some of the nuances that are missing, plus the attention being given to the driving. My system allows me to be immersed & engaged, feeling as if the musicians and I are sharing a space. The home rig simply gets me closer to the enjoyment, without interruption, because it just does. Music is always on, unless I am watching a movie or a show, I am sleeping, or out and about. Obviously, I must like the music, enjoy it. My best, MrD.

I know many listeners who do not care much about the music, but do care about the reproduction of the music. This to me, is sad. Maybe I place music 1st because I was a singer in a choral group and a local band in my youth. I also took music classes in school, and both of those taught me the appreciation of music. I can enjoy the music on my patio outdoor speakers mounted under the eve, and a blue tooth speaker on a blanket at the beach. If you are not receiving an emotional connection with the message of the performances ( the music ), then, you are putting the sound, and the equipment,1st. Lying to oneself is ok with me, but I cannot live without listening to music....anywhere. I believe someone here mentioned listening to Sticky Fingers, and mentioned some songs " sounded " much better than others. I agree, but the " performances " by the Stone’s members, is what I listen for. After all, this is a " recording " that I am listening to, and if I am in the mood to hear Sticky Fingers, it is the singing of Mick Jagger, the mighty fine guitar playing of Mick Taylor ( 2 Micks ) and Keith Richards, the rhythm playing of Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman, and lest not forget the other musicians here, including Bobby Keys, Billy Preston, and a few other incredible musicians. The music is the connection for me. My rig.....allows me to hear more of it. And, feel it ! Better sound reproduction = I hear more of it. My best, MrD.