Music first or sound first?

It's the music first and we buy systems which hopefully will give us more from the moving piece of music we are hearing. Is there more enjoyment to be had from this wonderful musical piece or not. I have to know.

Music is first for me.  Roon might not have the best sound quality,  but I use it because it is the best tool for discovering new music.  Gear and sound quality is important, but it is secondary.

Sound or music first?

I no longer separate them, they have become both equally important. If one or the other is missing in quality, I just don't enjoy it anymore. No way I listen to bad music with good sound and no way I listen to good music with bad sound. It didn't use to matter, but I guess with age, I've become much more selective  to save the few years left I have of decent hearing.

Music.

I can enjoy great music on a lousy system, but I prefer a great system, and I am blessed to have one--and blessed that it was less than $50k all-in.  I am also blessed to not have fallen prey to the perpetual dissatisfaction that can be a part of the experience for those who are drawn to great reproduction, though I can certainly sympathize with it.

I was beguiled in my high-school years (late 70s) by ads from Marvin Electronics in Ft. Worth, Texas.  I still recall their ultimate system consisting of Macintosh electronics, Studer Revox RTR, a Gale turntable, and Dayton-Wright electrostatic loudspeakers...So I have a pretty deep legacy of interest in the highest end, which has always been (sometimes slightly, sometimes greatly) beyond my financial reach.

The sound of music.