I agree with @ozzy62’s comment concerning “critical listening” could mean something different to each individual. For me, critical listening is when I am simply listening to minute details in the music to see if a new product I am auditioning is improving the sound quality. I’m critical listening so I can make a decision on a product I’m contemplating on buying. I imagine most of us would do that before we spend money on our gear, if we have an opportunity to audition a product. So, 99% of the time, I’m NOT critical listening, but enjoying the music because I finally got my system dialed in and I have no desire to audition or replace anything. That’s what critical listening means to me,
What exactly is critical listening? Who does it?
I'm supposed to listen to every single instrument within a mixture of instruments. And somehow evaluate every aspect of what I'm listening to and somehow all this is critical listening.
This is supposed to bring enjoyment?
I'm just listening for the Quality of what I'm listening to with all the instruments playing and how good they sound hopefully.
And I'm tired of answering that I'm not a robot all the time. That's being critical.