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Audio gear, sonic quality when you listen in less (or non-) focused ways

I'm wondering about how folks listen to their audio, and to what degree the quality of the sound is important, or, perhaps how it differs.

Here are four kinds of listening I can think of. (Did I miss any?)

FL - Focused listening -- sitting at focal point, concentrating on music and/or acoustic qualities.

SFL - Semi-focused listening -- listening is the central but not only activity (sitting in front of audio, listening but also reading, playing games, emailing, etc.)

CL - Casual listening -- listening to music but also involved in equally important tasks (cooking, doing dishes, laundry, etc.)

AL - Accidental listening -- music is on but it is in the background, mostly (music at party, just on for ambience)

For the kinds of listening other than FL, what do hope your audio gear can produce? What kinds of tonalities, soundstage, lows/mids/highs, transient response, dynamics, etc. does it need to produce? Are there other things that this gear needs to do that is different than your main rig? How good does the sound need to be? (In other words, how cheap a solution are you willing to get away with for those other kinds of listening? What do you use?)

128x128hilde45
timintexas
18 posts
 

I only run my main system when I am in FL mode; being that the speakers are Magnepan, they are worthless for any type of casual, walking around the house sort of listening. For the rest of my house, I am using the big Google Home Max speakers connected to my network. Most rooms have one. They have a big, bold sound and I enjoy them immensely. They run many more hours per day that my primary system.  Of course I don't demand any sort of "audiophile" quality for this type of casual listening but I do expect and want pleasing quality sound. The Home Max does a terrific job for me. 

 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,424 posts
 

@hilde45 

At a certain age, listening hours become fewer. At a younger age, sure, I could enjoy music on all kinds of systems and in any kind of environment. Unfortunately, that time is slipping through my fingers and listening FL is the best option for me with my diminishing hearing. I even question myself over going to concerts anymore since I have to wear earplugs for most.

It's like beers, life has become too short to drink cheap beers.

 

jrosemd
152 posts
 

I took music lessons from age 10 to age 18.  My listening is always focused. 

ghdprentice
7,046 posts
 

+1

 

… well for me wine.

travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
187 posts
 

If the system is good enough for FL then it should be perfectly fine for everything else.  I find it interesting that sometimes during accidental listening or casual listening to hear  more subtle or less obvious portions of the music that I might not necessarily notice or appreciate during a FL session.

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