so what do you do when listening?

music is a background to another endeavor, like writing, reading, working on the computer, or , watching television.

the only time i listen and tune out other stimuli is during evaluation of components or assessing some aspect of performance of my stereo system.

as i reviewer, my attention is often directed at analyzing.

my goal is to create a stereo system which pleases me. once i have done that, i will listen less and multi-task more. the journey is more important than the goal that me be achieved at the end of the journey.

I listen intently. I don't drink, eat, read, compute, etc. I paid all of that money to listen to music that sounds awesome, and that's what I do. If I have something else to do, I'll put the XM radio on at a low volume.

I meditate and do yoga. Immersing yourself in the sound, concentrating your racing turbulent mind on the pure nature of sound is meditation in itself

I just sit and listen. Otherwise, its off. Listening is the only thing that gets me to sit still for more than a few minutes, usually for a few hours. Most of the time my wife listens with me. Nothing better than sharing an immersive listening experience with someone you love and who shares your appreciation for music.

Same here, exactly.

The purpose of a quality audio system is to replicate the sound of a live concert as closely as possible. What else would one do at a live concert other than to listen attentively?

Regards,
-- Al

Good music is so distrating for me that I find it impossible to do anything else that requires some concentration and have music playing at the same time. Its either turn the music off or stop the other activity and listen to the music! I don't know how anyone can listen and do something else at the same time.
Salut, Bob P.