Yes, dopamine (etc) is the magic stuff that makes us feel good. Healthy sources of its release (e.g. music, exercise to a lesser degree) seemingly have no downside. Unhealthy sources of it are far more potent, plentiful, and at the root of destructive addiction behaviors. Most of these are substance based, but social media and "retail therapy" are 2 examples that are not. The real problem with these (besides the immediate health issues) is how they re-wire your brain and pleasure centers. Cumulative damage on this front can take years to untangle.
While music enjoyment is definitely the good kind, it’s important to separate from the dopamine hit we get while pursuing and purchasing new gear (not healthy if it becomes an addiction). The *intention* may be to enhance the dopamine yield while listening to music played with more immersivity - but sometimes hifi gets the best of me and it becomes a bit too much about the gear chase.
Good music combined with good hifi and "choice of substances" was one hell of a drug - but not one which is sustainable. I now abstain from all things (including alcohol) and enjoy a more mild but long-term sustainable high with music.
