Casual listening

I prefer to listen to the music and not to analyze my system.

OP, I think you’ve said that -- for you -- "relaxing" means not thinking critically or doing analysis.

Sometimes, that’s true for me. But I enjoy critical thinking, too. So, sometimes, relaxing for me involves critical listening. Or doing a crossword puzzle.

I don’t see different "camps" in this question, as some do. I see mere differences in how people relax, and not much more.

Now, if people have trouble shutting off their critical listening and are unable to relax and enjoy the music, this is saying nothing more than they're unable to relax.

And that is not really about being an audiophile. It's about their psychology in general.

@hilde45 

You got my drift.  By “casual listening” I didn’t mean not involved.  Quite the contrary, I want to get MORE involved in the music.

@rvpiano I think you've opened up an interesting topic. There are various ways of attending which are between "critical" and "casual." Sometimes they teach this in meditation or martial arts. A way of being "at rest" but still "active," mentally. 

When I think of the term "critical," I think of problem solving. As I see it, the puzzle becomes, how does one remain an active listener without also remaining in problem-solving mode? 

I agree. I hate the “head in vice” listening mentality.  When I listen which is virtually every day, the music is “on” and I’m about my business. I have an open concept house so this is easily to do. Just turn your system on and listen to it, don’t evaluate it!