Music first or sound first?

@grislybutter 

Unfortunately that’s a trap easily fallen into.

@mahler123 

Right you are!

@mijostyn 

I tend towards the same perspective. Stereo is indeed a hobby.  Music is where the real gold lies. However, when great sound and great music are combined it’s bliss.

It’s such a pleasure when you put the music before the sound. 
You stimulate a whole different aesthetic, and often you can then really enjoy both

I’m just now realizing how far down the rabbit hole I was.  Whether consciously or unconsciously, the quest for good sound dominated my choice of what music to play.   
That very impressive, expensive behemoth (my rig) standing in front of me was just too much to resist. 
Now, thank the gods, the music is first.  Hopefully it will remain so.  
I really envy those that are not seduced by the glories of their system.

Sound first is a dead end for me.