Music first or sound first?

to chose between the two seems silly, they go hand in hand

A synergistic interaction between the two goes on, each driving my desire at different times.

@rvpiano - GREAT QUESTION!

The responses have been quite interesting and entertaining as well. I believe in some ways the sound and music go hand in hand. If you don't like a particular genre of music, I don't believe you'd enjoy it no matter how wonderful a system is. However I don't believe the converse to be 100% true. Someone mentioned listening to music on a transistor radio in their youth... How many times have you turned up the volume on your car radio when a favored song or band started playing, even though your car's system is likely not nearly as good as your home rig? 😉

For my part, as I've improved my system over the years I've found my enjoyment of music has blossomed. Additionally the past few years I've branched out into jazz and classical as well. It's all a fun adventure, eh?

Happy listening.

Music 1st, without a doubt. I can listen to and enjoy music anywhere, on any playing platform. I love music, 1st and foremost. When I listen to my system, the advantage here for me is that it creates a greater sense of I am there, or they are here. Following the " musicianship " and enjoying the " composition " is easy on my main rig. Listening in the car as an example, my brain needs to fill in some of the nuances that are missing, plus the attention being given to the driving. My system allows me to be immersed & engaged, feeling as if the musicians and I are sharing a space. The home rig simply gets me closer to the enjoyment, without interruption, because it just does. Music is always on, unless I am watching a movie or a show, I am sleeping, or out and about. Obviously, I must like the music, enjoy it. My best, MrD.

Music first.  I definitely prefer to listen to good music that suits my mood than a demo disc that has great sound but not-so-great music.  Fortunately, I own some discs that have both, but the combination is unfortunately rare.  The good recordings are helpful for selecting gear, especially if I'm familiar with them, but I an enjoy lesser recordings as much or more if the music is great.