My ears of tin are over 50

Obviously, different people hear differently at any age.

of course as you get older , your hearing does change. Normally, the ability to hear very high frequencies deteriorates normally to some extent as you age. What happens from there I think is highly variable depending on the wear and tear on your ears, genes, etc.

Jim's statement is obviously not true. Most audiophiles, the ones who care the most, are old or aging geezers, including myself (age: 50).

I have tested my system and my hearing using the same test record since I was a teenager. My ability to hear the highest frequencies audible to humans is gone at this age, as is the norm. However, I hear the rest, including the middle ranges where most sound occurs and the lower ranges on my system just fine!

So yes, in terms of frequency response, your ears lose that over time, but normally, you can still hear most all that matters assuming you are still interested to do so and not chasing other hobbies as you get older.

I have not read his book, but in fairness to Jim Smith, he appears to have very good audio credentials, it sounds like he did not in fact say what the OP indicated, and his book appears to be quite practical based on the descriptive info available, so I would not hold anything against him.

Has anybody read his book? Any impressions?

If you do an online test on a computer, make sure your speakers have a flat frequency response throughout the test range. Not sure many speakers built into computers have that....

Rgs,

I am similar. Its almost as if losing ability to hear the higher frequencies one can when younger facilitates an improved focus on what you can still hear.

I consider myself fortunate that my ability to appreciate good sounding music has perhaps waxed and not waned with age, at least so far.

Rgs92,

Curious what is your main system and speakers for audio?

Original Walsh 2s cannot compare to many newer designs in regards to overall refinement but the newer upgrades available for them can. I have heard the two side by side in my system for comparison, so I am quite certain about that.

"Any truth that a viagra tab on top of KT 88's improves the sound?"

Wouldn't surprise me, though I have no personal experience. Viagra dilates blood vessels I think, which should have the effect of stimulating ALL the senses I would think.

COuld be the ultimate tweak?

Audiophile quality Viagra cost 10X as much as normal grade though mind you!