Time/Process of Hooking up New Equipment

Whenever I think it can be most easily slipped into the rack without being noticed, if you know what I mean ......

I also relax and take my time when adding a piece of gear or moving things around to different shelves.

Kren0006 - been there, done that too for many years when I was married :)

I among those that take their time when installing new gear. The task is pleasant enough if time is not a factor and of course there's that fun of opening a carton and - as my dealer likes to say - enjoying all of that fresh Minnestota air as it escapes.

If it is possible, I will try to slip the new component into my system and, the hard part, do not really listen to it for as long as possible. It needs time to break in. With an amp it is simple to do and the results in changes needed upstream (including perhaps even speaker orientation) will only become apparent after break in completed. You don't want to try to do too much too soon. Its counter productive.

I'm same as above posts, especially if components require more complex setup, I may be stressed in these cases. Best listening sessions begin when relaxed, keeping my expectations and desires in check allows me to reach this relaxed state, which in turn allows greater involvement with music. Listening to the music rather than analyzing sound quality is the 'real' test for me, if my involvement is greater I know I have a winner.