For me at least, there ain’t nothin’ like experiencing music through my own ears. As much as I enjoy playing my musical instruments, I simply wouldn’t do it if I couldn’t hear 'em. It’s a sensual, not an intellectual experience. In keeping with this, the same goes for listening to my steeereeooo.
Sound and music
Forgetting about the sound of our systems for a moment, there is a larger question of how sound by itself integrates into our appreciation and comprehension of music. Those notes written by composers have no really significant meaning unless physically heard.
How much of a part does the sensual aspect of music play in its apprehension, and what part does the stringing of those notes together play? A musician can read a score and visualize ( or audio-ize) the meaning of the music but without the physical sound how much is missing?
This has significance in the debate over how one listens to a system: for the sound or for the music.