Oops, pardon my misinterpretation of your statement about electrostatic speakers. I missed the word "NOT". You were obviously correct about them NOT being point sources....
Hyperacusis. Looking for recommendations
Hello everyone. Haven't posted to the forums in years but certainly been buying up all sorts of things lately. Ordered an Angstrom Stella amp that should be here next week. While the audio bug has reignited, unfortunately, so has my inability to actually enjoy music the way many of you might. If you are unfamiliar with Hyperacusis, it is the over-sensitivity to sound. Anything and everything can get very loud and sometimes painful. Sometimes it messes with my head so much I wind up half way ill for a few days. So, of course I haven't "turned it up" or anything. I've refined the DSP output through Roon to level out the peaks that really drive me nuts. However, the problem still lies within the overall mixing of most music. There's a reason things simply sound better when you do turn it up. Unfortunately, I don't get to experience that.
So, I'm here to ask for assistance from you knowledgable folks on recommendations for speakers and, perhaps, amplifier combos that can still sound lively and engaging at low volumes (50-55dB, tops). Seems that speakers are going to be the main component at this stage so that why I posted here. But I'm looking for anything else that may be of help. While I'm typing, I thought that maybe electrostats might be a good way to go since they aren't point source (the spread would actually help I think). Hell, maybe those paired with the Angstrom would be a good fit? Maybe. Anyway. Trying not to write a book here. You get the picture. I've never tried to go the ultra-low volume route before so I don't know what would work well. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, folks!
Showing 4 responses by mrmb
I’m so sorry to learn of your illness and plight. Contrary to your point source statement, electrostatic speakers are actually line sources and cones and domes are point sources. But when considering your condition, I'm unsure whether one may be better than the other. However, electrostatic speakers are relatively inefficient, but their low volume level detail is generally better than cone speakers, especially in the bass region, if they are full-range (not hybrid) stats. Additionally, my guess is that very high efficiency speakers may be a good point to start. You may want to consider horns, or open baffles. A list of S.E.T. friendly (high efficiency) speakers can be found here: The list is near the top of this page. I wonder how you would fare using headphones?
|
As the first reply poster and SoundLab Majestic 845 owner, I obviously 2nd. everyone's full range electrostatic recommendations. I too hope that you find either a medical or hearing aid solution, before requiring the speaker &/or amplifier solutions you requested. At any rate, I hope you find a suitable resolution. If you do, following-up with same here, would be helpful for any others seeking a similar solution to such a complex issue and condition. |
BTW above, I should have mentioned that @audiokinesis post is one of the best here, as they also are in his other Audiogon postings. As he mentioned, Duke is a SoundLab dealer and also I may add, a great speaker manufacturer in his own right. Over the decades, I have found Duke's forum advice to be very informed and spot-on and as objective as those of us with no vested interests as a manufacturer or dealer. And no, I have no personal association with Duke or the industry in general. I only know and respect Duke's advice from his posts here and elsewhere. |