I’m 69 and played in a band for 12 years with the drummer on my right side. Needless to say I have some tinnitus in my right ear. I have always had tube amps. I treated myself to a ARC VSi75 and cannot be happier. I find it to have all around great sound. Well balanced with nothing overly boosted. I think this would work well for you. Of course speakers are probably the most critical choice.
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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@arro222 have you actually heard/noticed a significantly degraded sound quality? You mention 4000hz as a demarcation … ALL fundamentals live below that, as well as a lot of harmonics (for voices, and instruments whose fundamentals top out considerably lower). Hearing those missing harmonics through just one ear may not be making much of a negative impact. |
@mahgister ...*G* This Wed. for me.....'youngster'. *L* @arro222 ...Restaurants still are a basket of noise to me, but my aids can be 'focused' so at least I can converse....to some degree of sense. ;) I've tinnitus as well, loud machines and loud music brought me down. And with what you've experienced of late likely did a tap dance on the way your mind is 'listening' for you. At this point, anything that works for you is a good thing. *S* Good luck & happy hunting, J |
- 66 posts total