The Sound or Music

Relative was mine (I don't share him). There might be more than one reason for him to enjoy orchestral music on poor system. One reason I mentioned is love of music that made him blind to a sound but the other is modesty. I see people like that all around sitting whole days at work on horrible wooden chars even if change is easy. They take whatever live brings - just the type of personality.

We're not talking about not listening to Duke Ellington at all but rather opting for better soundwise recording of the same composition.

Listening to Ipod on the trip to Mexico is fine but try to imagine that this is your only system forever. My relative wouldn't mind.

Kijanki, I don't think you are an audio freak. I think you are a music lover who is trying to get his audio up to a very high level. Once you have accomplished this you will enjoy your music a lot more. Audio freaks are on a never ending quest.

Orpheus10 - It is never ending quest for me too (to a point) but I don't have GAS (Gear Acquire Syndrom).

some great songs sound better on a car stereo or boombox ,than a highend system ,i would take boombox with unlimited music any day

Im well balanced in that aspect, Sound is very important to enjoy music. Thats why i upgrade every year my hifi setup.