What kind of listener are you?

Over the years, I came to the conclusion that the one thing that all, or near all, live performances have in common is a fullness and a richness in the music that is sometimes not captured in our home systems. It's a tight rope act to get that sweet spot between dry and analytical and jaded and blurred.
One of my first experiences at hearing a system that approached the fullness and richness of a live performance, without sacrificing detail and nuance, or having to be mind numbingly loud, was back in the late 80s, when auditioning a pr. of Apogee Duetta Sigs. Not sure about the electronics, as I was primarily auditioning the speakers, but it must have been some very nice gear of the time.
It is this fullness and richness of sound, combined with an accuracy of timber, space and detail, that can be enjoyed at a volume considerably less than a concert, that I try to attain.
 
Also, I've found that my eyes and ears work together to create an imaginary stage, when auditioning speakers and equipment. If I close my eyes, in a short time, the stage and placement of vocals and instruments seems to diminish. Regardless of price, I like to assess, in addition to tone and timber, how well a system can create a stage and keep things where they belong. For some reason, I can not do this with my eyes closed, as I need some kind of visual reference...Jim

Listening carefully comes naturally especially if I'm spending big bucks. Must have a reasonable system to get me in the mood to hear my favorite music. Like a drug, must hear my music every so often so I can continue to function as a productive human being. Other then that everything is A-OK.

I find myself enjoying the music first. And that sometimes lasts for a short while, sometimes longer.  But always without fail, at some point I gradually start to analyze it. The system goes off soon after that point.  I'm always looking for perfection knowing it doesn't exist.  Part of this audiophile sickness.