There's a constant battle going on inside me over two fundamental urges: control or convenience. On the one hand, I want to place myself in a position of control over life's simple variables like dialing in the exact time and temperature of morning toast or setting the thermostat to suit my immediate needs. On the other hand, it's great to just push a button and have things perfect without intervention.
Those same urges conflict me when it comes to stereo systems too. Do I want the perfect stereo experience at the push of a button, or would I prefer to control every aspect according to my moods and whims?
Here's what I've figured out. The answer depends on a set of unknown variables that change from day to day. Some days I want to roll my sleeves up and control and perfect every aspect of the musical experience: the perfect volume, the adjusted seating height, a little lower on the lights, activate CleanWave on the PowerPlant between every track. Other days I am just thankful everything's working up to snuff and I can close my eyes and enjoy.
I am not sure how to predict which side of me wants to run the system on any given day. But I can suggest it's awfully nice to be in a position to choose one or the other depending on my mood.
