What matters most for an enjoyable home listen?

A good performance that has been well recorded should come through any system as good, the better the system the better the sound.

Uru975,

I agree.

One thing I'm hoping to find out here is whether people really think the digital/analog issue is really that important.

To me it is not. If you have a good performance that is well recorded on a good system, I am pretty much where I want to be. Digital or analog is not nearly as important as these other things.

the right state of mind....being relaxed and not distracted as others have said...
Larry

Agree with Rar1 and Larryken,

Being relaxed and ready to actually listen, and not just use the stereo as a background music maker is the best way to get in the zone and have a meaningful time.

As someone who drinks and plays, I still have my best listening experiences with out any liquid additives - which reminds me - Don't Drink and Clean (records)

Gregg

From the Neil Young biography, "Shakey" a phrase from David Briggs, "...the spook.". As in, ",,,it got to have the spook....". Relative to Mapman's original #1 and artistry, for me, artistry must include something transcendent. Highly subjective, I think. I know it when I hear it.