Listening to music I don’t particularly like

Most audiophiles are a mixture of love of music and of great sound. So, for most, the better the sound the wider the horizon of music accessible to be appreciated. I have known a couple of music lovers that would gain the same satisfaction from a horribly reproduced tune from small transistor radio or a high end system. And conversely some audiophiles that seem to completely lost any appreciation for music through the relentless pursuit of more detail and slam, constantly swapping equipment and quickly becoming bored with what they have.

So, like in all pursuits there are all kinds of people with different interests, motivations, and tastes.

My first reaction to a person having a system that makes music they would not ordinarily listen to compelling is to offer them congradulations on putting together an outstanding system. The true mark of success in building a great system is not being able to drag yourself away from it.

How does something like Lady Writer by Dire Straits sound? Maybe you need some Super Tweeters to lift your listening experience.

...and on occasion it's cathartic to endure something one really is disgusted by, so you can appreciate better what you like.

Not my thing. I love a good system, but love good music more. Rather listen to music I love on a substandard system than music I don't care for on a great system.

That said, not too much music I can't stand

I’ve been in the hobby for about 3-4 years now, and I’ve finally kicked the "chase the dragon" element of this hobby.

Went through the typical listen to random music that sounds good phase. Chased detail etc. But I’m really a big prog rock and metal guy (poor to okay recordings), as well as some blues and jazz sprinkled in.

Now I know what I like and don’t like. I know I like the scale offered by big speakers, and a well delineated sound stage / imaging. I don’t really care about micro detail anymore, I like dynamics and warmth. I’ve sold silver cables to go back to copper etc.

Long story short - I think we all go through that phase, especially when you are deep in the thralls of the obsession. But once the hobby takes a step back in your priorities, I find you can re-approach it with a clearer head and even save some money !