Casual listening


I find that when I’m relaxed, listening at lower volumes and not intent on pursuing my Hifi ideal I enjoy the music more.

How about you?

128x128rvpiano

My system exist solely for me to enjoy the music.  I have to confess that from time to time I find myself listening more to the sound quality than the music, but that is the exception not the rule.  I have pretty much reached my endgame system and can take great pleasure in just leaning back and enjoying it.  Audio systems should exist to enjoy music, not the other way around.  

I usually use Internet Radio for casual listening and if I’m relaxed and enjoying it a lot will just continue for the day

If I'm listening to the main system or headphones it's usually critical, or at least engaged listening.  Unless I fall asleep that is.

There's plenty of other places for casual listening.  Family room, bedroom, another bedroom, shop, or garage.  Throw in the vehicles, too.

OP, I think you’ve said that -- for you -- "relaxing" means not thinking critically or doing analysis.

Sometimes, that’s true for me. But I enjoy critical thinking, too. So, sometimes, relaxing for me involves critical listening. Or doing a crossword puzzle.

I don’t see different "camps" in this question, as some do. I see mere differences in how people relax, and not much more.

Now, if people have trouble shutting off their critical listening and are unable to relax and enjoy the music, this is saying nothing more than they're unable to relax.

And that is not really about being an audiophile. It's about their psychology in general.