I'll welcome myself back after a brief hiatus

Yes, mostly age related but they also cut the nerves for my cochlear implant and that sealed the deal.

"Glad you’re back. Sorry about the hearing loss."

"Hey Russ! Glad you’re still here. I admire your spirit of adapting and not giving up - it sets a good example."

Thanx guys

"Think of those early days before FM radio and you liked to ride in the car and listen to AM. "

For me it was my Dad’s mono rig. A small Bogen tube integrated, a 45 player, and A University coax in a custom cabinet (think 1950s). Dang thing took two people to move it. He played Also sprach Zarathustra at full volume until the cat that was sleeping in the huge port of the speaker came running out! Petty sure that’s what get me started with HI-FI.

Well I'm still playing with my mono rig. I had Mike Sanders build a MID-MONO amp for me with the beautiful Tesla EL-34s. Bought a Schitt Kara preamp to run the thing without getting up. Put my Velodyne 12 inch HGS in the loop. I'm spending many hours listening to my favorite FM station, KTBX Tubac, AZ.

@quickjack1234 ,

Thanks for the long and detailed explanation. I'm ahead of you however. I have a cochlear implant for my SSHL (single sided hearing loss). I'm not happy with the results, I think a BAHA would have been better for me. My implant sounds like an underwater transatlantic transmission with a poor connection and a busted tuna can for a speaker.

I actually bought a BAHA that slips over my ears, It sounds reasonable but I don't use it often. I should wear it more. I'm not wearing my implant at all. Probably wont unless I lose all hearing. Thanx for the post.