1. A method of generating a personalized sound system hearing profile for a user, comprising the steps of: selecting an initial profile, based on selected factors of user input; identifying one or more alternate profiles, having a selected relationship with the initial profile; linking at least one audio sample with the initial and alternate profiles; playing the selected samples for the user; receiving identification of the preferred sample from the user; and selecting the final profile based on the user's preference. applying the profile to the sound system.