When Everything Comes Together

In 40 years of this hobby it has been impossible to consistently attain a perfect listening session every time. Imo, the variables of time, inclination, pain/or not, distraction, tiredness, maybe even barometric pressure, and other hard to isolate variables impinge on the listening often. 

I have done enough system building and comparisons of systems to conclude that it's not something magical happening with the gear (There will be some who insist that the electrical grid/power is shifting, and I'm not thinking of debating that here; there's plenty of threads about that). Others may disagree, but after building hundreds of rigs and getting similar experiences for decades, I think I have a baseline for comment. 

I stopping trying to have the perfect session long ago, expecting that a nice session is a good result, but if it's better, it's a gift. The one variable that has led the most to my greatest satisfaction in listening has been...
reading. I tend to be analytical of the music, but when I read I distract my analytical self and can relax with the music. I suggest it to persons who find themselves obsessing over the sound. BTW, I love analyzing music and systems for their distant attributes, as evidenced in deep dive reviews at Dagogo.com for 14 years. It is stimulating but not relaxing. When I want to relax, I grab a book, preferably not electronic.  

I do not operate in your genre of music typically, but I offer this; if you have never heard harder rock done on acoustic instruments, then you may like it. The one that I have used for assessment of systems is Apocalyptica's "Enter the Sandman". It's very edgy, and if the strings are making my ears bleed, then I know the treble needs moderating. There are some interesting instrumental groups/artists. Last night I was listening to Peter Gabriel's "Secret World" ((I still have to scan the lyrics for suitability), but was reminded that I have a different version of it, entirely instrumental, by a group (I think really an individual or duo) called Talesin Orchestra. I suspect it will be nauseatingly uninteresting sounding to you, but I rather like the instrumental remake of such works as Secret World. It's great that we have a cornucopia of artists that now we can play works with or sans lyrics. Imo, that, too, is a big factor in it all coming together.  :) 

@bacclagg: 

"It was all about the music and my system completely disappeared. I love this hobby!"

It's your choice whether to focus on the system or the music.

Douglas,
What you said really struck a chord with me. I nearly always listen while reading a book or article, and as you say, I'm able to give the music attention without being analytical. Some friends have asked me how that's possible but it works for me, and it also keeps me from drifting off to sleep. 

@douglas_schroeder

It's interesting that you mentioned barometric pressure. Yesterday afternoon a cold front came through and I was on the cold side of the front when listening. Cool air and low humidity after a sultry afternoon. Maybe that affected my mood more than the equipment, but whatever it was I liked it!

I wish i had more of these perfect listening sessions myself.  It isn't always that all things fall into place.  You would think they would, but they don't.  Same gear, same music, same room...then different results.