hearing loss and amp choices

arro, it seems ARC  is retiring the VSi 75.  I’ve seen an audiogon listing for a new one at, if I remember correctly $7595.

I have read these responses and at least I know I am not alone with a hearing loss problem. Work related over a 38 year period.. For the last 3 plus years I have been using the Phonak bolero with a music setting. My audiologist is the most patient person as we are constantly chasing a moving target as my hearing gradually gets worse. I just traded speakers for my Spendor classic 2/3s. Easier to listen to and I use Bel Canto E1x amp and transport. I wake up each day and its like my head is under water. I need to have my aids in for hours before listening to allow my brain to adjust to the new sound. I must adjust the level of music to not over load my hearing. Classical and unamplified music works best. A compromise that allows me to listen for a few hours at a time. The ringing never stops and it grows worse the longer I listen. I am accepting the fact that over time I will no longer be able to enjoy listening to music or much of anything else. Maybe one day the technology will come along to solve my/everyone's hearing loss but for now its touch and go. Best of luck to all of you with hearing loss and for you other guys who hear o.k. take care of your hearing as you only get 2 ears. Hearing is not eyesight which can easily be fixed with prescription glasses and all is well. It just does not work that way with hearing loss. Without my hearing aids I might as well not even cut on my system because it just sucks. 

Absolutely wear hearing protection inside your helmet when riding. The wind noise alone will damage your hearing over time. Also, behind the ear hearing aids are the way to go, unobtrusive and no need to miniaturize as much as the in ear ones. Nobody notices mine. Finally, it's not smart to put off getting hearing aids. The ear brain connection deteriorates if impaired hearing is prolonged and it takes longer to re-establish it the longer you go. My Oticons only made my system sound MUCH better than listening with hearing loss (mostly highs, but very specific bands of frequency).

So I went ahead and popped for the Audio Research Vsi 75. I have to get a separate phono stage but that's ok. 

Brand new at Audio Connection for $7500. 

If anyone has one of these, any problem with top clearance for heat issues? I'm hoping it to fit into a 12"x19" x 19" deep space.

Well that amp is going to sound great, hearing loss or not. Great choice. I have a Line Magnetic and can never go back to SS. Long live Vacuum tubes! Congratulations!