Company or Solitude?

company and solitude can make for an enjoyable experience.

as a rule i do not go out of my way to demonstrate my stereo system, unless someone makes a request.

the quest to realize my sonic objectives is more important than listening to the result, once it has been achieved.
i am just as happy listening to the radio or my $300 personal stereo as i am listening to an expensive stereo system, since i realize that both do not compare to live music.

Solitude for me! Just don't understand how many people just don't get music...Maybe I am nuts...........

As with most passions, I definitely prefer company if the company is also enthused. It can end up being a different experience - different music chosen, occassional conversation, etc. - but that can be a good thing.

Conversely, I am very happy to just do my own thing if nobody else is interested.

Solitude. For me, listening seriously to music is like floating down an unexplored river. Not knowing what lies beyond the next bend, but thoroughly enjoying the ride. When I sit down to listen I want to hear the songs which create whatever path my mind (subconscious) is open to explore. I never know what songs I'll play ahead of time other than the first one. The subsequent songs are selected to build upon one another, guiding me down an impromptu path. I want to pursue that path without compromise so it takes me wherever my mind wants (or needs) to go. Thus, company would either intervene, interrupting my path, or be bored/confused/bothered with my selections. I don't select more than one or two songs ahead, allowing my mind (emotions) the freedom to dictate the path as I go along. This is also why my system must be engaging and be able to convey emotion well - I need to connect intimately with the music. It can be very rewarding and cathartic for me.

Maybe you were thinking "something else" beside music :).