"Fact of the matter is, I really wouldn't mind going deaf in general. It's an inconvenience, but it'd be nice not to have to listen to shit all day." Respectfully: I think your concluding sentence is perfect, but not in the way you intend. If you're not that into music, then why put forth such definitive arguments on the matter? I don't know much about engineering, and although I understand that it's important, the ins and outs of it don't altogether interest me- I'd never deign to argue about the most influential gear design. Or something. I really know nothing of engineering, are there more or less influential gear designs? That said, all opinions ought to be welcome here, not just the ones we want to agree with. As long as they're put forth civilly. Everybody.