Music vs. Components


Greetings everyone. Here's a biggie: When you sit down for a session with your hi-fi, what do you find that you are really listening to most 1) the music, or 2) your components? Where and what is that mysterious, illusive, fine line between 1) simply and wonderfully enjoying the music and.... 2) listening critically for either how "great" your system sounds (such as trying to justify upgrades, tweaks, tube rolling, wire changes, etc.) or listening for all of the flaws and weaknesses of your gear. When does the tweaking stop and the enjoyment begin? Conversely, when is it time to improve and upgrade because, in reality, you would be happier if your system sounded better?
bside123
Mr. Tennis, Great point!! I fully agree. Many days I use listening to my system as a balm to a particularly difficult day.
Anyone who listens to vinyl and claims they are just listening to music is full of B_ S__. If you just want to listen to music, it's going to be digital due to the convenience factor.

If you want to hear your system, then you put on vinyl.
Tough to separate the two. The leaps forward in audio keep you running back to the music to hear it like never before. A big step up can reveal details of production that may distract from the music. Above a certain level of audio it becomes difficult to multitask while listening. At this level it's wise to ration listening or risk mental processes and productivity turning to mush.