Critical listening and altered states

I find THC to give a hyper sharp focus. It can also turn on the the illuminated, 3 dimensional inner landscape of visuals, sound, emotions and an ineffable blend of them all, that I would bet many a person doesn't even suspect is there to be experienced. (won't even go into what other substances have to offer) Show me a person with a fearful, negative attitude toward the use of mind altering substances and the exploration they make possible, and I will show you someone who is most likely locked into the consensual dream state of life as the character they learned to be. There is nothing beyond these confines for them. Bless their hearts.

Let me guess, you were high when you wrote this?

I rest my case.

This whole question comes down to personal experience and preference.  There's no rigth or wrong, just a lot of opinions.  And like they say, opinions are like a**holes.  Everybody has one but people usually don't want to hear someone else's. 

@coys21

if you’re willing to share, would love to hear what your top 2-10 reference tracks are - digital/vinyl. Impressive regimen. And system!

i listen 30+ hours a week........for the last 20+ years. i’ve always enjoyed comparing formats......and gear investigations. and i have lots of media in discs, files , pressings, and reels of tape. so naturally i’ve always done plenty of comparing things and so that led to finding my most effective method over time. it was no accident or casually arrived at.

here is my system link;

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/615

my pictures and gear list from that link is now a year or so old, so there are some additions not listed. a 4th tt, headphones and a headphone amp are not listed.

here are a few reference cuts i use;

digital;

https://boxset.me/anna-netrebko-sempre-libera-24-88-flac/

track 11, about 3:20 is a glass harmonica which will either be real or just a hint. it is very delicate, well defined and clear, sweet and soaring when it’s done right. can be smeared and indistinct on some gear. no place to hide and separates the real from the pretenders. i own the 16/44, the dsd file, SACD and the 24/88 file. the 24/88 (the source resolution from the recording) is much better than the others. her voice is divine.

i have a 24/352 dxd file of Aerosmith’s "Sweet Emotion" which is direct transfer from the master tape. the beginning of this song is a holographic spectacular. and this file is a revelation......and so far is typically the best digital i or anyone i’ve played it for has heard. again; it demands everything from my system spatially and dynamically, and reveals any shortfalls. and when i’ve improved my digital this cut has really shown that. i doubt this file can be found commercially.

i will try and list some others when i have time.

if you are ever in the Seattle area you would be very welcome to visit and i will play a number of my reference test cuts for you.

Roadwhorerwcords, we always plucked the center fibers out, they supposedly contained strychnine.  I'm not a chemist, just never got sick.  Most of the hurlers did not get sick with the tea.  The tea was perked in a coffee pot with sticks and seeds that would have been wasted otherwise.  Music was always played loud-but clean.  No matter what, the taste was horrible.

After a stressful day or week ,kicking back with 🥃 or smoke of choice 
to be in a relaxed state is a pleasant experience with your favorite music 🎶 
is a ☮️ full state of mind, or just a calming meditation recording ,
whatever suits you best is best !!