New equipment

Sounds like new equipment syndrome. Initial insertion inherently brings on analytical mode of listening. Generally, we give new item at least 100 hours for burn in or adjustment of perceptions, could be more hours in some cases. We then, over time, almost imperceptibly fall into music lover mode, or we can't seem to get back there. New piece stays on one hand, out the door on the other.

Sometimes, in thinking about this, I wonder about all the cast offs people sell on used market, obviously, replacements bettered the item being sold. Usually, I like to ask what replaced item sold, appearance of lateral move can be bewildering, but then some people like to churn equipment.

I'm sure you guys realize one get both tone and texture along with greater resolving capabilities these days. Some amazing equipment out there, and getting better over time. You can have your cake and eat it too.

I'm at point where I'm unsure of full resolving capabilities of audio reproduction, relatively low life 16/44 continues to amaze with it's ever evolving resolving capabilities. Designers and engineers with quality sensory perception and the technical knowledge to pull it off are producing equipment with both high resolving capabilities and natural timbre and/or high levels of harmonic development.

Continual jitter and noise reduction in digital reproduction are only two of the better known measurement protocols being continually improved upon making this possible. Adding new equipment to  streaming systems is not a circular game, many new innovations in this arena, fast evolving which makes it extremely interesting for me.

I'd have to agree with slaw in that I can enjoy both as well. Likely every listening session of mine has a bit of the analytical as I'm still experimenting with entire streaming setup, changes constantly ongoing so my attention is purposely directed there. I think the problem with analytical listening is when one doesn't want to listen in that mode. IME, that indicates issue with system, or one may have severe case of audiphilia nervosa.