Changing audio beliefs

I love music and it's been important to me since I was a teenager (I'm 75 now); I was even in the music business for 10 years and have gone to many hundreds of concerts. That being said, I do not have it constantly playing and when I'm not actively having a listening session (a few hours per day a few days per week), I like silence. 

@larsman , +1.

@stuartk ,

Again, I enjoy music very much, but only when the mood strikes. It’s important, but not that important.

It’s not a constant ’must have on’, nor is it high on my priorities list. You probably have a much greater understanding than me in a classical sense as to what makes great music great. Hence, I can understand your greater appreciation. I very much appreciate the talents of great musicians and singers, and have recently been brought to near tears while listening live to a wonderful violinist.

Friends, family, solitude, health, eating well, exercise, reading in silence, nature, gardening, enjoying this beautiful country by taking trips, all are much higher priorities than playing music. 

Liquid washing vinyl was considered a harebrained foolery back in school in the 80s. Then I thought ultrasonic was utter overkill. I have now US processed my entire vinyl collection, and I think I can hear the difference.

The word "synergy" used to hold much more sway with me than it does now. 

"Are there any audio beliefs you once held to firmly that you no longer subscribe to?"

Much of what has already been said here applies to my journey as well such as, the limited importance of cables and tweaks; decoupling speakers; listening to a wider range of musical genres; aversion to marketing hype, reviews, peer pressure and overstated claims of performance; and while this hobby is enjoyable and helpful for one's well-being it is not overly important in the overall scheme of one's life where family, friends, adding value, giving back, and good health are paramount. 

One belief that has changed over time from the early days is that the vehement recommendations of internet posters often have little association with what works best and sounds best to my ears in my system.