Casual listening


I find that when I’m relaxed, listening at lower volumes and not intent on pursuing my Hifi ideal I enjoy the music more.

How about you?

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If I am not having trouble doing critical listening, then I have the wrong gear.

I have returned stuff that sounded "perfectly" transparent because it lacked life.

I listen casually and often feel compelled to turn up the volume and be immersed in the music.

I listen to music for enjoyment and "critical listening" would seem to defeat that purpose. Listening to hear how certain instruments sound or if singer is off key would be defeating the purpose of listening. 

I know a guy who plays the guitar and on an album recorded by either Porcupine Tree or maybe RUSH there is supposedly an "error" and he says it ruins the whole song for him. I feel sorry for people like that and those that listen critically. 

My system exist solely for me to enjoy the music.  I have to confess that from time to time I find myself listening more to the sound quality than the music, but that is the exception not the rule.  I have pretty much reached my endgame system and can take great pleasure in just leaning back and enjoying it.  Audio systems should exist to enjoy music, not the other way around.  

I usually use Internet Radio for casual listening and if I’m relaxed and enjoying it a lot will just continue for the day

If I'm listening to the main system or headphones it's usually critical, or at least engaged listening.  Unless I fall asleep that is.

There's plenty of other places for casual listening.  Family room, bedroom, another bedroom, shop, or garage.  Throw in the vehicles, too.