Excuse me again for popping in again. I have been thinking and listening to the AD18. And actually, after considering getting an ICEPower ASX125x2 module and playing with that, I reconsidered. Ive just watched another action movie and enjoyed it, almost every word being clearly reproduced. And I'm now thinking dang it, I like the sound of the system I've got. It eats soundbars for breakfast and I have no complaints. It's a great little amp and Im glad I bought it. Being an eccentric I hooked up a Behringer Minifex 800 to the AD18 and set Independence Day Resurgence to "Cathedral" through the FEX800. It was very interesting, as if I was part of the universe. Most convincing. Way better than Dolby.
(TRS to rca adapters were all I needed). I guess, if this is ok, I want to share this:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/cant-hear-in-noisy-places-its-a-real-medical-condition-1474909624
Can’t Hear in Noisy Places? It’s a Real Medical Condition
New studies of causes and treatments for deterioration in your brain’s ability to decode words in loud situations, also known as hidden hearing loss.
Many people have trouble understanding conversations in noisy situations. Scientists are beginning to understand why.
The problem is sometimes called “hidden hearing loss”: Standard hearing tests don’t measure it, and sufferers are often told their hearing is normal. But the distress they feel struggling to discern what others are saying in crowded restaurants and business meetings is real.
Now there’s growing evidence that the causes of problems processing speech amid noise are different than the causes of problems hearing sound. Scientists believe exposure to loud noises can erode the brain’s ability to listen selectively and decode words, without causing traditional hearing damage. Difficulty understanding speech amid noise can set in long before traditional hearing loss.
“This is something we’ve recognized for a long time—and this research tells us why it’s happening,” says Anne Oyler, associate director for audiology at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. “Audiologists will have to start actively looking for this disorder.” end quote. I propose that this is my problem, and that my difficulty living with dolby surround sound is caused by the same condition that causes me to loose the words of a conversation I am listening to in pubs and cafes. In any case, I can live with the Ad18 and can follow the dialogue of movies with my set up. Whereas I'd run like hell from a surround sound receiver playing an action movie. The ears and brain are the last link in the chain of sound reproduction. People need to buy equipment which suites them. "Hifi for Oldies" might not be much of a brand name, but its a real need.
