Company or Solitude?

Solitude. For me, listening seriously to music is like floating down an unexplored river. Not knowing what lies beyond the next bend, but thoroughly enjoying the ride. When I sit down to listen I want to hear the songs which create whatever path my mind (subconscious) is open to explore. I never know what songs I'll play ahead of time other than the first one. The subsequent songs are selected to build upon one another, guiding me down an impromptu path. I want to pursue that path without compromise so it takes me wherever my mind wants (or needs) to go. Thus, company would either intervene, interrupting my path, or be bored/confused/bothered with my selections. I don't select more than one or two songs ahead, allowing my mind (emotions) the freedom to dictate the path as I go along. This is also why my system must be engaging and be able to convey emotion well - I need to connect intimately with the music. It can be very rewarding and cathartic for me.

Maybe you were thinking "something else" beside music :).

I like talking to my friends about audio and it makes for lightwieght listening session. When I really want the music to rock my jelly roll soul I have to be alone.

There are times when just turning on the music and letting it flow over me, is all that is wanted or needed. Just to let go and dive into the sound, alone, forgetting everything and everyone else. Escape, sure but a great escape.
Other times with other people it is a nice adjunct or even if it has become a given or taken forgranted by me their ears and reactions revive me to the music and capabilities of my system. Leading me to go further and wakeup even more.

Rockadanny, exactly! My listening sessions can last up to 8 hours, sometimes the path is perfect, sometimes not so. On those night where everything is just right I'm simply blown away. I also generally listen to entire cds and/or albums, very rarely skip over too many songs.