The Smart Connect is great. But be sure the audio sets it up correctly. It should not use any of your 6 available programs for Bluetooth Phone or Streaming. If it does, it may not switch correctly, or if it does it will give you multiple beeps with every text message and/or sound on your phone. I just got mine set up correctly yesterday. I didn’t love it until now.
The 3.5 mm jack is extremely important to me, but honestly now I stream my PC audio to the Smart Connect via Bluetooth and that eliminates a lot of the need for it for me.
Hi Padzy, I am guessing you have the same audi as me – the North Lakes store?
She mentioned someone currently trialling both the KS6 and Trax 42 when I was there for an adjustment to my KS6s yesterday.
I am about to do the same – well, I have arranged an in-store trial of the Trax 42 next month but I will most likely buy them and keep the KS6s so that I can more comprehensively compare them both.
hey mate,
lol yeh, I guess that would be me. Such a small world
I’m getting the Trax fitted in 2 weeks time and hopefully she will do more tweaks during the fitting appointment.
I’m also getting the easytek aswell so I can talk on the phone hands free
How are you finding the KS6.0?
I’m thinking of returning the KS6.0 regardless how my trial goes with the Rexton 42 because the 42 have much better technology and I believe it gives more leeway for improvements via adjustments.
I mean if you compare the pricing of the two $1900 vs $3000, there has to be a reason why one is much more expensive than the other
I mean if you compare the pricing of the two $1900 vs $3000, there has to be a reason why one is much more expensive than the other
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s house brand, so it’s always going to be priced below other competing brands. The KS6 is a premium-level hearing aid which would sell for the same price as the Trax 42 if it didn’t have the KS label.
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s house brand, so it’s always going to be priced below other competing brands. The KS6 is a premium-level hearing aid which would sell for the same price as the Trax 42 if it didn’t have the KS label.
Hi again Padzy, I agree with rasmus-braun, the reason why the KS6s are so cheap is due to having the Kirkland brand name. I think the price of the comparable models from Resound and Siemens/Rexton are probably around the same.
Nonetheless, from looking at the specs - with the Trax 42 having so many extra channels - plus the comments on here, I really want to try them out and will definitely be willing to pay the extra $1,100 if I find a significant improvement in noisy environments. Since the latest adjustments by “our” audi, I have noticed an improvement with the KS6s and if it wasn’t for the Trax 42 coming on the market I would probably finally be content with them. Oh well…
The Smart Connect is great. But be sure the audio sets it up correctly. It should not use any of your 6 available programs for Bluetooth Phone or Streaming. If it does, it may not switch correctly, or if it does it will give you multiple beeps with every text message and/or sound on your phone. I just got mine set up correctly yesterday. I didn’t love it until now.
The 3.5 mm jack is extremely important to me, but honestly now I stream my PC audio to the Smart Connect via Bluetooth and that eliminates a lot of the need for it for me.
Ok, this is interesting. They told me the smart connect takes two of my six programs, one for streaming and one for Bluetooth. I also hear every beep on my cell, which is very annoying. Im wondering if it takes a program for streaming because I wanted more bass and less treble?
At the moment, my smart connect has been in for repairs for over a week. It died while streaming and would not work again. Audi figured it was the battery.
The Automatic program is self-contained; it doesn’t use or switch into any of the other programs that are assigned to your hearing aids.
The Bluetooth Phone and Streaming Audio programs are optional. They’re not needed unless your audi wants to customize the frequency response for those two situations.
The specialist at Costco only setup PROGRAM 1 on my Trax 42. But I see on this forum that other people have up to six programs. How do I get the other Program? BTW the Trax 42 is my first ever and after 3 days I am very happy with it.
Your audi has to program them. If you are happy with it on Automatic (usually the first program), then you probably don’t need to bother with other programs. My philosophy is that it is better to set-and-forget than have to play with programs.
I agree. I only have one additional program installed and that’s only for concerts. I’m still not sure if it works as I don’t have another concert to go to until end of July. For day-to-day use, though, I just use automatic. I’ve got enough to worry about during the day that I don’t want to have to analyze every situation I’m in and decide the appropriate program. I’ve tested my ’s in multiple situations (on purpose) and they’ve worked well everywhere.
Ok, this is interesting. They told me the smart connect takes two of my six programs, one for streaming and one for Bluetooth. I also hear every beep on my cell, which is very annoying. Im wondering if it takes a program for streaming because I wanted more bass and less treble?
At the moment, my smart connect has been in for repairs for over a week. It died while streaming and would not work again. Audi figured it was the battery.
This is what my Costco fitter thought too- that is the way the Rexton Mini Blue works, and he thought the Smart Connect worked the same way. Apparently so did a lot of other people he talked to.
Finally a long call to Rexton settled it: The Smart Connect (and Siemens Easy Tek) is made to interface differently.
In my case- my number 1 complaint was that if I was in Program 1- Automatic and took a phone call, it would switch to program 2 “Bluetooth phone” and then when the call was over it would remain in Bluetooth phone. That program would not release it to go back to Program 1- Automatic on its own. I had to remember to switch it and manually make the change. Sometimes the ONLY way to make it switch was the button on the right . It acted like some bad code- I seriously thought it needed a software update that wasn’t so buggy.
Sometimes it would get stuck in Bluetooth Phone. Other times it would get stuck in Streaming Audio. And sometimes the Smart Connect would lock up completely and I couldnt make it shut off or return to normal. The only recourse was to push the recessed “reset” button with a toothpick. (The small hole next to the power connector on the the bottom of the Smart Connect). This would then reset it and get it working again.
Apparently the programs for Streaming Audio and Bluetooth phone are available in the software for use with the MINI BLUE ONLY. Removing them allowed the Smart Connect to do its thing.
Now when I get a text message I get no beeps at all. It doesn’t switch modes. I simply hear my text message ringtone in my hearing aids. Same with streaming audio from my phone. Nothing switches. It just works. No siwtching, no beeps.
When I receive a phone call it does seem to switch, because I get one beep when it switches back after I hang up. But it’s very smooth and seems to work perfectly. It’s only been a couple of days, but this seems to have solved EVERY issue I had with the Smart Connect. It’s clearly the way to go.
This is what my Costco fitter thought too- that is the way the Rexton Mini Blue works, and he thought the Smart Connect worked the same way. Apparently so did a lot of other people he talked to.
Finally a long call to Rexton settled it: The Smart Connect (and Siemens Easy Tek) is made to interface differently.
In my case- my number 1 complaint was that if I was in Program 1- Automatic and took a phone call, it would switch to program 2 “Bluetooth phone” and then when the call was over it would remain in Bluetooth phone. That program would not release it to go back to Program 1- Automatic on its own. I had to remember to switch it and manually make the change. Sometimes the ONLY way to make it switch was the button on the right HA. It acted like some bad code- I seriously thought it needed a software update that wasn’t so buggy.
Sometimes it would get stuck in Bluetooth Phone. Other times it would get stuck in Streaming Audio. And sometimes the Smart Connect would lock up completely and I couldnt make it shut off or return to normal. The only recourse was to push the recessed “reset” button with a toothpick. (The small hole next to the power connector on the the bottom of the Smart Connect). This would then reset it and get it working again.
Apparently the programs for Streaming Audio and Bluetooth phone are available in the software for use with the MINI BLUE ONLY. Removing them allowed the Smart Connect to do its thing.
Now when I get a text message I get no beeps at all. It doesn’t switch modes. I simply hear my text message ringtone in my hearing aids. Same with streaming audio from my phone. Nothing switches. It just works. No siwtching, no beeps.
When I receive a phone call it does seem to switch, because I get one beep when it switches back after I hang up. But it’s very smooth and seems to work perfectly. It’s only been a couple of days, but this seems to have solved EVERY issue I had with the Smart Connect. It’s clearly the way to go.
I want to costco today for another errand and chatted with my Audi. Must say she is trying hard to learn about the trax and is not afraid to explore. Her customer service level is very impressive!! She will call her rep and ask about what you said regarding not needing specialized channels.
A replacement was already there for my broken smart connect, very quick!! BUT, am having real problems with streaming now. If I turn my head, one aid virtually always cuts out. Depends on which way I turn my head as to which aid will quit. Sometimes it reconnects after a few seconds, other times I need to waggle my head to get both aids working. Oh well, I’m sure we’ll get it working. No biggie.
PS, I had tried to reset, recharge, etc on my original smart connect, but it was a no go :(.
Well, I only had them since Thursday and I have a appointment today to adjust them; they aren’t cutting it so far. That can change. Haven’t tried noisy places either. Right now, I have to say I was doing better with the KS6. Speech recognition with these is currently a real problem. Batteries seem to last longer. That my sole plus at the moment.
A replacement was already there for my broken smart connect, very quick!! BUT, am having real problems with streaming now. If I turn my head, one aid virtually always cuts out. Depends on which way I turn my head as to which aid will quit. Sometimes it reconnects after a few seconds, other times I need to waggle my head to get both aids working. Oh well, I’m sure we’ll get it working. No biggie.
Since you had another one before I’m sure you know this already, but what you describe above should basically never happen. I’m sure that both my aids stay connected to the Smart Connect more than 99.9% of the time.
A replacement was already there for my broken smart connect, very quick!! BUT, am having real problems with streaming now. If I turn my head, one aid virtually always cuts out. Depends on which way I turn my head as to which aid will quit. Sometimes it reconnects after a few seconds, other times I need to waggle my head to get both aids working. Oh well, I’m sure we’ll get it working. No biggie.
PS, I had tried to reset, recharge, etc on my original smart connect, but it was a no go :(.
I had some problems with my aid cutting out when I turned my head the first day I used my Smart Connect, along with some other weird behaviors, and those problems stopped when I charged the Smart Connect completely. The said it was charged up, but it evidently had not been fully charged prior to giving it to me.
Well, I only had them since Thursday and I have a appointment today to adjust them; they aren’t cutting it so far. That can change. Haven’t tried noisy places either. Right now, I have to say I was doing better with the KS6. Speech recognition with these is currently a real problem. Batteries seem to last longer. That my sole plus at the moment.
That’s how I felt when I trialed the Trax 42. The Trax just seems more quieter because it blocks out the background noise but by doing that it also lowers speech aswell.
For the past 2 years I’ve been highly impressed with my pair of KS 4.0s & with the Costco Specialist who’s been helping me. But he’s been replaced with a newcomer, apparently still learning the ropes at least with the Trax42s we’ve just bought for my wife.
Were willing to work thru this: but Rexton apparently keeps operating details off the net so I can’t determine if the “standard” functions we need are available on the 42’s.
After the initial fitting & tuning, the 1st very long Followup Visit was frustrating, mostly due to persistent problems with Costco’s PC that tunes the units but also as the functions my wife needs are still not working as expected; she must have deadening of A/C & Fan noise; a well-functioning setting that kicks in automatically and a setting to deaden tire sounds, etc when she’s driving her car but allows 360 range; other similar functions, while very desirable, are of somewhat less importance.
Problem is, I can’t even find out what standard “Sets” are available to fill the 42s 6 available slots. Right now she has 5 of 6: Universal A, Telecoil, Noise/P—[?], iFocus 360, Outdoors—; [Tho I understood it to be standard, our new Specialist is unaware of any “CarDriver” pre-set but I guess it could have been a ‘SpecialCombo’ my previous Specialist thought up].
I have learned the Rexton Emerald S 80 had “Smart Automatic Environment Manager Program 1 classifies sound into 5 distinct environmental categories to automatically optimize gain, noise reduction, and directionality.” Does this mean that our UniversalA setting automatically switches between the other 5 available Program Slots? If not, exactly how does it work and what are the 5 “environmental categories” it chooses from [assuming SAEM wasn’t dropped from Costco’s version].
I can only detect a slight forward directionality bias on the 42s ‘Universal A’ and nothing of the needed A/C&Fan Muting; it also doesn’t seem to Auto-Switch to “Telecoil” when we put the phone [a Panasonic T-Coil Compatible wireless unit] to the ear.
Also, the ‘Telecoil’ program doesn’t seem to automatically activate BOTH units.
In addition I detect very little improvement: I read elsewhere that Specialists have a T-Coil testing device [“Magnet”]; can I just bring in a [charged] phone hand-set to test if it is compatible as claimed?
‘Noise/P–’ [what does the P— stand for] is very directional as one would expect and, after a surprisingly long delay [my 4.0s take just 2sec], do deaden Fan noise, tho not as much as expected. I hope it will also lessen “Mob Murmer” & Dish Clatter.
‘360’ does what the name implies but nothing more tho I want control of ‘MobMurmer’ & Tire/RoadNoise here. as I assume the desired un-muted ‘Outdoors’ setting is also 360
I must admit I’m doubtful about control of ‘MobMurmer’ as. by definition. it’s in the “Speach Range” that programs like 360 are meant to track & emphasize. But just which annoying ‘background’ noises [like wind & Fan] can be muted and which can only be treated by adjusting ‘directionality’? Or is there some other adjustable tech function here that addresses such areas?
Sorry for the laundry list, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Problem is, I can’t even find out what standard “Sets” are available to fill the 42s 6 available slots. Right now she has 5 of 6: Universal A, Telecoil, Noise/P—[?], iFocus 360, Outdoors—; [Tho I understood it to be standard, our new Specialist is unaware of any “CarDriver” pre-set but I guess it could have been a ‘SpecialCombo’ my previous Specialist thought up].
I have learned the Rexton Emerald S 80 had “Smart Automatic Environment Manager Program 1 classifies sound into 5 distinct environmental categories to automatically optimize gain, noise reduction, and directionality.” Does this mean that our UniversalA setting automatically switches between the other 5 available Program Slots? If not, exactly how does it work and what are the 5 “environmental categories” it chooses from [assuming SAEM wasn’t dropped from Costco’s version].
I can only detect a slight forward directionality bias on the 42s ‘Universal A’ and nothing of the needed A/C&Fan Muting; it also doesn’t seem to Auto-Switch to “Telecoil” when we put the phone [a Panasonic T-Coil Compatible wireless unit] to the ear.
Also, the ‘Telecoil’ program doesn’t seem to automatically activate BOTH units.
In addition I detect very little improvement: I read elsewhere that Specialists have a T-Coil testing device [“Magnet”]; can I just bring in a [charged] phone hand-set to test if it is compatible as claimed?
‘Noise/P–’ [what does the P— stand for] is very directional as one would expect and, after a surprisingly long delay [my 4.0s take just 2sec], do deaden Fan noise, tho not as much as expected. I hope it will also lessen “Mob Murmer” & Dish Clatter.
‘360’ does what the name implies but nothing more tho I want control of ‘MobMurmer’ & Tire/RoadNoise here. as I assume the desired un-muted ‘Outdoors’ setting is also 360
The available programs on the Trax 42 are: Automatic, Noise/Party, iFocus 360, Television, Music, Outdoor/Traffic, Telephone (acoustic), (T), Telecoil (mT), Telecoil (MT). Additionally, if you have the streamer: Bluetooth Phone, Streaming Audio, Smart Connect . It’s possible that your fitter renamed one or more of the programs. You can ask him to restore the original names so there’s less confusion.
The Automatic program (Program 1) is self-contained; it does not use or switch between other programs. It detects what environment you’re in (speech in quiet, speech in noise, noise, music, car) and activates the appropriate features.
Autophone should be enabled by default when you have a t-coil program. (If you have more than one t-coil program, only one of them can have the feature.) You should hear a tone when the hearing aid switches to the t-coil program. Try a stronger magnet and see if that works.
The iFocus 360 program tracks the source of the loudest speech signal around you and adjusts the microphone direction to focus on it. The feature is also part of the Automatic program and is enabled when it detects that you’re in a car situation. The Outdoor/Traffic program does not use iFocus 360.
NW Indiana
