Re-listening

Posted by: Minh Nguyen on 12 September 2015

Some of you may recall that I bought a new pair of speakers a few months ago. They have three jumper settings to allow the treble to be set at 0 dB, -1 dB or -2 dB. I have been listening at -1 dB from new, because I found the top end too bright. The thought crossed my mind yesterday to try the 0 dB setting. What a revelation! It's as though I am re-listening to we'll known tracks again and hearing nuances that were once hidden. The improved contrast resolves more detail. It's odd. The highs don't hurt my ears anymore. I suppose the speakers are now well run in ????
Posted on: 13 September 2015 by nigelb

What great advice from you all.

 

I have downloaded the SPL meter recommended by Jan-Erik and will be watching my daily dose!

 

Thankfully my recent two Naim upgrades (NDS and 250DR) have allowed me to enjoy listening at lower levels - i.e. less desire to crank it up as I seem to be getting more detail at lower sound levels. This maybe due to a lower noise floor - who knows.

 

Oncel again, thanks for the advice.

Posted on: 13 September 2015 by Minh Nguyen
Originally Posted by Foot tapper:

Hi Minh

As someone who did a lot of engine testing as a young engineer, I was fortunate to be warned early about the dangers of hearing damage & tinnitus.

 

Naturally, as a young man, I knew that I was immune to such effects.

As a result, I have suffered from mild tinnitus for circa 20 years.

 

Eric's advice is very good advice.  

 

The alternative is to follow the dubious advice of Lemme (of Motorhead fame).  When asked if he was concerned that Motorhead's loud concerts would damage his hearing, he replied that he was making so much money that he would simply buy new ears when he hit the age of 40.  He is now much older than 40 and struggles with his hearing.

To the best of my knowledge, new ears are not yet a commercially viable option.

 

Happy listening and do look after your ears so that you may continue to enjoy music.

 

Best regards, FT


Hi Foot tapper

Thank you for taking the time to share your personal experience and your wealth of knowledge. I shall take heed of your warning and endeavour to look after my ears.

ATB Minh
Posted on: 07 October 2015 by Innocent Bystander

There's another thread started that partly parallels this: https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...ue#49577344566046299

 

 

Posted on: 07 October 2015 by JRHardee

All this good advice notwithstanding, everything seems to get a bit less shrill with a bit of burn-in. Could that be what Minh was hearing?