serious listening...what to do during it?

[thekid]

IMHO you can't do light reading or small chores and even remotely expect to do "critical listening". Sitting relaxed is an absolute must, and with no other distractions like talking, working a laptop, or texting on your cell phone.

I would say 90% of my audio time is NOT spent in such a state, and however enjoyable that time is, it really can't be called serious listening.

I think you misread my post.

I agree that you cannot do "critical listening" while doing other things. My main point was that most of the time you do not need to do "critical listening" but only have to enjoy the music. I think the OP is operating under the impression that because he has invested some much time, energy and money into his set-up he feels he must sit and do "critical listening" everytime he sits down to listen to music. Most people do not (cannot) listen to music like this on a steady basis.