Go to a great, not good, but great audiologist, get a hearing test, and buy the top of the line Phonax hearing aid for the impaired ear. They come with 3 band tone and volume controls plus options I’ve not even tried. Huge difference. It’s not the gear, it’s your ear. I’ve suffered from Ménière’s disease since 2002 and now am down 70% in my left ear. The Phonax allows me to enjoy my system. I also installed a Schitt 4 band EQ unit which can boost the frequencies you are missing. Plus my line stage pre has separate volume controls for each side which helps me make further adjustments. My amp is a Pass X250.8, the pre is a First Sound with dual mono volume controls and dual external power supplies.
hearing loss and amp choices
Found out yesterday that I have about 25-30% hearing loss in the right ear. Anything around 4000 hz and I display a sharp drop.
Currently looking for a new integrated such as the Vsi75, Sim Audio 700 series, Pass int 25, Belles Aria Sig and my distributor recommended the Rotel RA 6000 series which they are about to carry this month.
The speakers are the very neutral and flat Studio 100's by ProAc.
My question revolves around the fact of hearing loss vs. expense for SQ. In other words what am i doing to be looking at a 10 or 16 thousand dollar int if my hearing won't appreciate it?
Do I look for something more articulated like the Rotel? Can I appreciate the nuances of tube gear with their richness?
Had Primare stuff (I-30) prior to this but it blew during a power surge and to tell the truth, thought the sound was a bit sterile with this series with little mid bass weight. Now I wonder if all this doesn't matter and should be looking for something with articulation that previously may have thought as "cold".
Just exploring what some of you may have experienced with any hearing loss in regard to previously perceived perceptions to SQ.
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- 66 posts total
- 66 posts total