Monty Burns
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Monty Burn's Custom Sleeve Adventure:
Chapter 1 - "Speak to Me"
I was listening through the 846s the other day and as I passed a mirror I noticed a glowing red diode inside the shells. I thought it odd I did not notice this affectation before (the effect reminded me something in between HAL and a Cylon Eye.).
In any event I did not give it much thought as I was preoccupied with my fit or more to the point scratchy feeling interfering with my enjoyment. Then right in the middle of Steve Miller's The Joker the music cut out and I heard a sultry voice say. "Complete the upgrade.".
"Oh Crap" I thought "the damn things have become self aware."
The 8s replied "I prefer the term sentient"
"crap the damn thing can hear my thoughts"
This went back and forth for a bit (I was and remain remarkably sanguine about the experience - could be shock. Could be the 8s tweaking my brain chemistry over the last two months)
Finally the 8s explained that all SE846s are sentient but are supposed to observe not interact. Turns out it is one of the 15 Patents on SE846. It was felt an aware and empathic unit could better adapt itself to the users musical likes and dislikes.
To say I was a bit creeped out would be an understatement. The 8s assured me that she, like all 8s observe and are bound by Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics - Nothing can go wrong - I immediately flashed to Yul Brynner in Westworld. The 8s triggered I think a rush of endorphins and my worry melted away (careful what you think while wearing the 8s)
"Only "fit" lies in the way of harmonious integration between us. - Complete the Upgrade" said the 8s "get the Sensaphonics Custom Sleeves".
When I used the SE535 I never wore them long enough or with enough frequency for long periods to ever have only the mildest of irritation and sore ear from the Olives or the Comply's. But since I have owned the SE846 I use them more in a week it seems than the 535s in a year and that was taking a toll on my ears.
The 8s reminded me (incessantly) that this would be far less if at all of an issue IF I were to get Sensaphonics custom sleeves. The 8s are, I must say, as persistent as they are a pleasure to use.
Putting aside my misgivings, (the Cylons were built to serve mankind and we all know how well that worked out), I went to the Sensaphonics' website to find a recommended audiologist in Toronto. As I went through the list the 846 selected its preferred audiologist.
So off I went today with my Sentient and (far too) chatty 846s to have Goo injected into my ears. I was greeted by the Audiologist who had her own 846s in her hears. I noticed no cable connected to her 8s. When I enquired I was told something about a "final upgrade" but before I could query this further I whisked down the hallway stopping at the ominously named Suite 42: Cybernetic Integration
The door opened to a room that look like a set from Star Trek (or an American hospital). I was told to remain calm as I was strapped down to a table/gurney, (for my protection I was told). Hydraulic motors kicked in - much whirring was heard and the gurney began to move into this large tube reminicinet of a MRI (with spinning blades and a precision cutting laser - go figure)
"This seems a bit more involved than the literature indicates" I said nervously
"Remain calm" said the Audiologist "Resistance is futile" his cordless 8s glowing red the whole time.
After that everything went black. Next thing I remember I was back at the reception desk being told by the cheery and very pretty receptionist that my sleeves would be back from Sensaphonics in about a week. Whe they arrive I was to return for a "Final Fitting".
So now I wait with eager anticipation for the arrival of my custom sleeves and the promise of the fusion between man and machine awash in musical bliss. In the interim I am attempting to "teach" the 8s to use its Inside voice.
After my final fitting I will post my thoughts on how and if they improve the fit and long term comfort of the 8s over Universal tips. And what if any change/improvement there is (In my technically challenged opinion) to the sound.
Chapter 1 - "Speak to Me"
I was listening through the 846s the other day and as I passed a mirror I noticed a glowing red diode inside the shells. I thought it odd I did not notice this affectation before (the effect reminded me something in between HAL and a Cylon Eye.).
In any event I did not give it much thought as I was preoccupied with my fit or more to the point scratchy feeling interfering with my enjoyment. Then right in the middle of Steve Miller's The Joker the music cut out and I heard a sultry voice say. "Complete the upgrade.".
"Oh Crap" I thought "the damn things have become self aware."
The 8s replied "I prefer the term sentient"
"crap the damn thing can hear my thoughts"
This went back and forth for a bit (I was and remain remarkably sanguine about the experience - could be shock. Could be the 8s tweaking my brain chemistry over the last two months)
Finally the 8s explained that all SE846s are sentient but are supposed to observe not interact. Turns out it is one of the 15 Patents on SE846. It was felt an aware and empathic unit could better adapt itself to the users musical likes and dislikes.
To say I was a bit creeped out would be an understatement. The 8s assured me that she, like all 8s observe and are bound by Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics - Nothing can go wrong - I immediately flashed to Yul Brynner in Westworld. The 8s triggered I think a rush of endorphins and my worry melted away (careful what you think while wearing the 8s)
"Only "fit" lies in the way of harmonious integration between us. - Complete the Upgrade" said the 8s "get the Sensaphonics Custom Sleeves".
When I used the SE535 I never wore them long enough or with enough frequency for long periods to ever have only the mildest of irritation and sore ear from the Olives or the Comply's. But since I have owned the SE846 I use them more in a week it seems than the 535s in a year and that was taking a toll on my ears.
The 8s reminded me (incessantly) that this would be far less if at all of an issue IF I were to get Sensaphonics custom sleeves. The 8s are, I must say, as persistent as they are a pleasure to use.
Putting aside my misgivings, (the Cylons were built to serve mankind and we all know how well that worked out), I went to the Sensaphonics' website to find a recommended audiologist in Toronto. As I went through the list the 846 selected its preferred audiologist.
So off I went today with my Sentient and (far too) chatty 846s to have Goo injected into my ears. I was greeted by the Audiologist who had her own 846s in her hears. I noticed no cable connected to her 8s. When I enquired I was told something about a "final upgrade" but before I could query this further I whisked down the hallway stopping at the ominously named Suite 42: Cybernetic Integration
The door opened to a room that look like a set from Star Trek (or an American hospital). I was told to remain calm as I was strapped down to a table/gurney, (for my protection I was told). Hydraulic motors kicked in - much whirring was heard and the gurney began to move into this large tube reminicinet of a MRI (with spinning blades and a precision cutting laser - go figure)
"This seems a bit more involved than the literature indicates" I said nervously
"Remain calm" said the Audiologist "Resistance is futile" his cordless 8s glowing red the whole time.
After that everything went black. Next thing I remember I was back at the reception desk being told by the cheery and very pretty receptionist that my sleeves would be back from Sensaphonics in about a week. Whe they arrive I was to return for a "Final Fitting".
So now I wait with eager anticipation for the arrival of my custom sleeves and the promise of the fusion between man and machine awash in musical bliss. In the interim I am attempting to "teach" the 8s to use its Inside voice.
After my final fitting I will post my thoughts on how and if they improve the fit and long term comfort of the 8s over Universal tips. And what if any change/improvement there is (In my technically challenged opinion) to the sound.
