As a music lover first, I have built my audio system with one goal in mind: To Enjoy the Music. However, I believe that the majority in this hobby get so absorbed in the analysis of their components and specifications that they obviate the real objective: Connecting Emotionally to the Music.
Listening is an Art. In general, the left and right hemispheres of our brain process information in different ways. While we have a natural tendency towards one way of thinking, the two sides of our brain work together in our everyday lives. The right side of the brain focuses on the visual, and processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture then the details. The focus of the left side of the brain is verbal, processing information in an analytical and sequential way, looking first at the pieces then putting them together to get the whole.
My contention is the greater majority of Audiophiles have succumbed to a dominance of Left-Side deep listening. Music Lovers in contradistinction, employ Right-Side deep listening and as a result don't think, don't compare, and don't rationalize. They just listen.
The Left-Side of your brain can be used exclusively for audiophile evaluations with regard to choosing audio components that will present the musical performance with greater realism which in turn will enhance a completely emotional, non-analytical, Right-Side listening state. However, in my opinion, using the Right-Side for these evaluations is infinitely more effective because the greater the emotional involvement you experience is directly proportional to the efficacy of your choice of components.
In conclusion, being an Audiophile as opposed to a Music Lover mitigates the whole essence of this high-end audio hobby. Get on the "Right-Side" and "Enjoy the Music".