2. misc-audio
  3. 144392-2693

Should I upgrade my system while losing my hearing?

WOW!!! My system sounds great. Wifey says it sounds great & leave it alone. Yet I believe I know the weak spot in my system and I want to upgrade it (Tonearm). Yet some would say that my amp is weak. Its just a VTA Dynaco ST-70. But Lordy, does it sound good. Even so, I'll probably replace it because the power switch is on the back which makes it hard to get to turn it on *& off.. But then I think of my age (68) in 2 months and my hearing loss and I ask,   does it make sense to upgrade? Should I really spend thousands of $$$$$$ to get a 3-8% improvement? But who's to say it won't be 20%..........25%? And with my hearing loss, will I be able to hear it? I hear music pretty good. Its conversation I don't hear. But I've heard enough conversations , etc anyway. 
I often think about my old step father who often said, "There ain't no fool like an old fool". I think I understand what he meant.. AWW I'm gonna do what I want anyway. Just making conversation. But does it make sense to upgrade my system? Or get hearing aids? Ain't gettin' old fun?

128x128artemus_5
2psyop's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
2psyop
1,599 posts
 
artemus_5
I had hearing loss during my time with Air Defense Artillery (Hawk missles) and Field Artillery (Howitzer) units with US Army and Army Reserves. Lucky for me after I retired I was able to get a partial disability and the VA pays for my hearing aids. Yes (maybe like you) I cannot hear well during crowded places when someone is talking to me. I disagree with some audiophiles here who think you should not get hearing aids. It’s your choice, for certain, but for me I think the new hearing aids are much better and they can potentially not only make your music listening experience better, but your life more fulfilled. I have Resound brand and they can be adjusted on my smartphone.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,969 posts
 
@2psyop 
I plan on getting the hearing taken care of soon. Like you say, it improves quality of life. If music sounds better, then that's a plus. 

areed622
21 posts
 
I use digital hearing aids and really like them. When tested, 4k and up were found to be way down, something like 40dB (I don’t remember exactly but it was significant.)
Correction was setup to less than 100%. I was told that I’d have a problem with total correction since it would seem way too bright. 
My system includes a DSP which is not adjusted flat. Not sure how it sounds to others but it sounds great to me. Without hearing aids it sounds like it has no top end. Kinda like I have a pillow over my head. 
My system hadn’t been upgraded for at least 20 or 25 years. Since I started wearing hearing aids I have been obsessively tweaking it. 
I will eventually get someone to sit down and assist with a “normal” EQ ie someone with normal hearing just as an experiment. 
Btw re the Dynaco power switch: why not plug your system into a power conditioner that has a master on/off switch?
Post removed 
goldilocks
4 posts
 
Digital hearing aids are getting better by small increments. That being said, there is still way too much etching of the higher frequencies IMO.
More to discover