2. misc-audio
  3. 148401-20253

Well maybe it IS my hearing

Hi everyone,
Lately I've gotten into some lively debates. One thing which I'm afraid we don't take into account enough is our own personal hearing. Truth is there's now way I can hear like I did when I was 20 something. So, quite likely I hear very differently than other A'goners. Just because I personally can't hear a difference in a power cable / tweak doesn't mean you don't. I don't make that claim. 

However I think it is also unfair to accuse me of having an agenda if I can't.


Lastly, if I can't hear a difference, the financial value I place on a more expensive tweak = zero. That's just the way my wallet operates. I'm not buying to impress others. My stereo is not my Mistress whom I must serve with more and more expensive shoes.  I just made her a very pretty red and carbon fiber and aluminum power and she's going to have to be happy with that.


I do take exception to over broad, fact less claims of performance however, or people working very hard to explain to me how wrong a person I must be if I can't hear a difference.


I think this is good for you as well. Buy what your ears tell you have value, and don't be swayed by crowds.


Best,
E
erik_squires
rrs711
3 posts
 
You can learn to listen.  Start with 
Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals https://www.amazon.com/dp/1598630237/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3qrWCbFY97CFX

erik_squires OP
16,600 posts
 
I agree with the perception issue.


As I've mentioned, we can learn a great deal from Machine Learning and Deep Learning about how perception is something we learn.

Do I really want to be the person who can taste a difference in $300 bottles of wine, or one who enjoys $30 every week?


We do that to ourselves a little too much.

Best,

E
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
Sometimes I wish my hearing was less acute.My savings account would be happier:)
prof
3,497 posts
 
bdp24,

Yes audiology test are, or would be, sobering for many.

I get tested pretty regularly.  I'm 55, can hear up to 14k.  (Good for my age, no doubt because I've worn earplugs for loud events since the 90's).    Slight notch at 4k. 


Still, it's surprising how much deviation people's hearing can exhibit while still allowing a surprising recognition of sound quality.  I have a musician friend who has some pretty bad hearing in one ear, and just ok hearing in the other, but he's able to hear and describe most of the relevant characteristics of different sound systems.


larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,015 posts
 
Really a good point.

I recently had an appointment with an audiologist and they compared my hearing levels to 5 years ago.  It looks like I lost some additional hearing in my high frequency levels, which is quite normal for a 70 year old.

I wonder if this might explain why I was unable to hear a difference when the retailer demonstrated a REL S3 with a pair of Vienna Acoustic towers.  I still wonder if I should spend the money to add a pair of REL T/9i's?  The retailer is really honest and I trust him.  He told me today I might be trying to hard to hear the difference.  I do think instead of hearing an increase in bass extension, I might have heard more of a 3 dimensional sound which he says is sound stage.  I also think I heard the vocals sound less harsh, which is the main reason why I am thinking about adding the subs.

Be interested in everyone's opinion, as this group has exceptional knowledge.  However, I must say, I do think this group does split hairs a lot of the time and I wonder if they are like most audiophiles who buy more and more expensive gear so they can pound their chest and say to their buddies, "See what I have!"
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