[mikeg]

I use headphones to listen to music while doing most activities at home, and elsewhere. I almost never listen to music, without doing another activity at the same time. But I frequently interrupt my activity in order to pay full attention to an especially striking musical passage, when such a passage occurs. At those times I usually increase the volume in order to enhance the quality of sound, until the musical passage ends. Almost all of my music listening is done in this way; i.e., while using my computer, reading magazines like Stereophile, writing Head-Fi threads, etc. Spending long periods of time each day for concentrated listening to music, without doing other things at the same time, is not what I do. Do you spend substantial time every day attentively listening to music, without doing other things at the same time?

 

[andrzejpw]

I actually do both. While doing homework, reading stereophile, etc, I listen to music. But then, when it's time to go to sleep, I just turn out all the lights, and just listen to the amazing music, where I can bring my full attention to it.

 

[Calanctus]

In the past I only listened while doing other things. With headphones, it's still like that unless I'm trying to audition components. But with speakers I'm starting to dedicate time exclusively to listening. This is partly a discipline and partly a way of getting more out of my time. I feel like I've gotten more from my music when I've focused on it 100% for say an hour.

 

[mikeg]

Quote:

Originally posted by Calanctus In the past I only listened while doing other things. With headphones, it's still like that unless I'm trying to audition components. But with speakers I'm starting to dedicate time exclusively to listening. This is partly a discipline and partly a way of getting more out of my time. I feel like I've gotten more from my music when I've focused on it 100% for say an hour.

From your profile I notice that you have Revel M20 Speakers. Are you satisfied with them? Do you use a subwoofer with them? Is it needed?

 

[Calanctus]

Quote:

Originally posted by mikeg From your profile I notice that you have Revel M20 Speakers. Are you satisfied with them? Do you use a subwoofer with them? Is it needed?

I am quite satisfied. The M20s are dynamic, reveal a lot of detail, have adjustable treble (I have mine at -1 db and find them quite smooth, not bright at all) and seem to work well with my other components. I'm only a relative neophyte--been buying audio gear seriously for a year or so--but to my ear, these are the best speakers I've heard for $2000 or less.

Subwoofer--thereby hangs a tale, as they say. I've heard that a sub will definitely improve performance (even with most so called full-range speakers), so I got one--a Rel Storm 3. My PS Audio HCA2 amp went into fault when I tried to connect the sub (high-level connection, i.e. to the amp instead of to the preamp). The red light would not go off so I sent the amp back for service. It should be returned to me in a few days. I just borrowed an amp from a friend but have not yet tried to hook up the sub again.

 

[N@Z]

I do it when I'm on the computer, internet, want to escape from the real world or just before going to sleep. The last two is when I want to really listen to the music. Also the last one is because of a high stress job that had me staying up nights late & couldn't get to sleep immediately. Glad to say it seems to work & I'm much more less agitated than before.

 

[Rizumu]

I do exactly what andrzejpw does.

 

[bubbaj]

I find I listen to music more since coming to this forum. I listen to music while I'm doing other things, but since getting Etys and a Meta42 I find that I will sit down with a disc and simply focus on the music. Something I almost never did before.

 

[myself, aka me]

Sometimes I just sit in front of my dads JVC speakers (large 200W things, probably 20 years old at least..) and relax. It's fun picking out instruments.. Maybe that's because I play saxophone in a band, but yeah.. I can't relax with headphones stuck on my head, even if they are comfortable like my eggos..

Perhaps my ATH-A55s are going to be more comfortable.. Even if they are only a little step up from the D22 (or are they a BIG step up?) soundwise..

Othertimes i'll listen to music while on the comp, on the bus.. I must have music a lot of the time lol.

 

[john_jcb]

I listen at work when I want to concentrate on a task and avoid interruptions. If I really want to get something done I use the Ety's and not even the phone bothers me. At home on the PC I will listen while I work.

What I really enjoy though is a comfortable chair and some quiet time to just listen while doing nothing. These times seem too few and far between lately.

 

[finleyville]

With my ears.

 

[dhwilkin]

Usually while web-surfing or reading, though I'll stop what I'm doing while listening to something I'm really in the mood for at the time.

 

[gerG]

I can relate to John's comments. I got my first decent stereo system while still in college. My ritual became "music night" on Friday evenings. I would grab a drink, pack a pipe (tobacco, I couldn't do that other stuff) and "watch" the music. That was back in the pre-CD days. The original walkman came out a few years later, so there was no such thing as a portable source.

Over the years I have tried to maintain this ritual, but it was slowly engulfed by the pressures of life, and I was diverted by other toys and hobbies. In my workplace headphones were strictly forbidden (for no reason in particular). Music became a background activity.

But now it is back! Thanks in no small part to this very site, I am getting more and more involved with my favorite hobby. I still prefer speakers for intent listening (usually) but use my cans whenever possible. This even includes at work. Friday nights are once again reserved for watching the music (no video monitor required).

My rather long winded point is that when I add it all up, you guys are really a good influence after all!

I hope that doesn't disapoint anyone

Keep the faith

gerG

 

[TravelLite]

This is actually a fascinating subject.

Unlike many, I've never been able to really enjoy music playing in the background. In fact, moderately loud background music can be a distraction if I'm trying to concentrate on a complicated task.

Instead, I enjoy music in the "foreground", often at stadium maximus volume levels, and in situations where I can give it my undivided attention.

TravelLite

 

[mikeg]

Quote:

Originally posted by Greg Freeman I can relate to John's comments. I got my first decent stereo system while still in college. My ritual became "music night" on Friday evenings. I would grab a drink, pack a pipe (tobacco, I couldn't do that other stuff) and "watch" the music. That was back in the pre-CD days. The original walkman came out a few years later, so there was no such thing as a portable source. Over the years I have tried to maintain this ritual, but it was slowly engulfed by the pressures of life, and I was diverted by other toys and hobbies. In my workplace headphones were strictly forbidden (for no reason in particular). Music became a background activity. But now it is back! Thanks in no small part to this very site, I am getting more and more involved with my favorite hobby. I still prefer speakers for intent listening (usually) but use my cans whenever possible. This even includes at work. Friday nights are once again reserved for watching the music (no video monitor required). My rather long winded point is that when I add it all up, you guys are really a good influence after all! I hope that doesn't disapoint anyone Keep the faith gerG

I'm taking your comment of "watching the music" very much to heart. Visualizing the creators of the music to which I'm listening assures that I listen with greater concentration. Thank you for this gift. I've gained a great deal from Head-Fi members such you.