That's interesting Detlof, cause for me it is the opposite. I am much more a critical listener in music lover mode. This goes beyond the audio system and into live music.
I realized other people noticed back when I lived in Rhode Island. A year when the Philharmonic was auditioning new Music Director candidates, a friend who is on their Board of Directors invited me to every concert that was conducted by a candidate for the position. (Their premium seats). They wanted my feedback. They said I was the one person they knew who was not a subscriber who would be able to rank them properly and be able to explain why. I guess I was like Simon on American Idol (but nicer)!!
As far as recorded music; given a choice between CD-A and CD-B; CD-A has the better sound; CD-B has the better performance. I always choose CD-B.