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Which category of home music listener are you?

Posted by tketcham (A) on May 23, 2015 at 04:59:54

I find the discussions regarding music formats (digital files vs vinyl/cd/tape) and the playback components associated with each format to be quite interesting. It seems there are basically four types of (home) music listener and the choice of music format and playback reflects which category you primarily align yourself with; as follows.

The dedicated listener: You sit and listen to music in front of a stereo system, dedicating time to select music from your record/cd/tape library and enjoying the retrieval of music and the ritual of playback as part of the experience. The music library may include digital music files but it isn't the primary format.

The convenience listener: You enjoy music played through a stereo system, but it has to be convenient, ready to play with a minimum of fuss. Listening may or may not be while sitting in front of the stereo, thus the need for convenience, which also requires that most of the music must be stored as digital files and/or streamed as internet "radio". The music library may include records and/or CDs but they're used infrequently.

The background listener: Music serves as a backdrop to whatever else you're engaged in. Playback does not involve a traditional stereo system, but rather, is typically a single device with a speaker (sometimes a small "stereo" system) that can be easily placed in small spaces. Music is stored as digital files or streamed, rarely CDs.

The mobile listener: Listening to music at home is just part of the daily music continuum. Playback is entirely done with a small portable device and headphones. Music is digital or streamed, obviously.

There are, of course, many subtle variations on these themes, but I think these four categories capture the modern music listener's primary means of enjoying music at home.

What do you think? Comments or critiques? Do you fit one of these categories?

Edit: I won't change the categories at this point but read my "Results so far" for ideas on how they could be improved.

Regards,
Tom

PS: Oh, yeah; I fall into the dedicated listener category. For now.

Edits: 05/25/15

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