I tend to view audio as an active hobby. I like to tweek stuff and figure out stuff and take things apart, ect.
It is actually a real exercise for the brain. The results are gratifying. I think I enjoy taking a cheaper component and trying to make it sound good. I don't know if I actually accomplish much with the time spent (as oppossed to just buying better stuff, It might work out to .25$ an hour). Don't get me wrong, I enjoy spending money just as much as the next guy, but if I couldn't take it apart, I wouldn't feel I was getting my money's worth. I guess what I'm saying is the enjoyment is in the trying, not trying so I can get the maximum enjoyment.
I do listen passively quite often though, like when I am actively trying to pick up after myself. That's when the active/passive debate is most blured.
It is actually a real exercise for the brain. The results are gratifying. I think I enjoy taking a cheaper component and trying to make it sound good. I don't know if I actually accomplish much with the time spent (as oppossed to just buying better stuff, It might work out to .25$ an hour). Don't get me wrong, I enjoy spending money just as much as the next guy, but if I couldn't take it apart, I wouldn't feel I was getting my money's worth. I guess what I'm saying is the enjoyment is in the trying, not trying so I can get the maximum enjoyment.
I do listen passively quite often though, like when I am actively trying to pick up after myself. That's when the active/passive debate is most blured.