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Transients hurting my ears on hifi solid state amps

I've looked at many discussions on listening fatigue and similar topics, but haven't really found the answer to the specific problem I've been having.

To me, modern higher end solid state amplifiers tend have too much slam or too sharp transients and that ends up hurting my ears even at 60db levels. Even listening to mellow jazz, the piano notes are just uncomfortable to listen to because of the attack.

I currently have Buchardt S300 Mk II speakers, which are not high sensitivity by any stretch, and are rather smooth sounding, but I don't know if they could contribute to the issue somehow?

The worst case regarding amplifiers I tried was the Rogue Sphinx V2, which is 100W hybrid Class D with tube preamp. Another I had at home for an extended period and had an issue with was the Arcam SA20, which should be a relatively smooth sounding amplifier, and it did get a little closer to what I was looking for.

I currently have a Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated and I'm very happy with it. The amp I tried to replace was a Marantz PM6005, which is also very smooth. Both are under the recommended power rating of the speakers (even though that's relative for a tube amp), so I'm wondering whether that could be part of it.

I listen mostly to vinyl (Graham Slee Reflex M preamp) with some digital too (Denafrips Pontus II). Both are relatively smooth and vinyl, while usually being softer, doesn't solve the issue. 

I'm looking to switch back to solid state (class AB) for various reasons and I was wondering if anybody had had similar experiences and recommendations for amps? Most amps, especially higher end, tend to emphasize the dynamics, punch, agility, etc. and I struggle to find anything that would seem to fit the bill. Tubes seem to do the trick for me, especially with some tube rolling, but not sure where to go with solid state. The budget would be around 2000$.

haskisoundi

Showing 1 response by duckworp

duckworp's avatar
duckworp
257 posts
 

I feel for you as I have the same problem. I would suggest that it is your hearing. My daughter is an audiologist and she explained it to me. It is a condition called Hyperacusis. If you suffer from this you will find that you are sensitive to certain frequencies which feel like they hurt your ears. It is most common that higher frequencies are the worst offenders. Like you the upper register of the piano (mainly above middle C for me) is a strong offender. My daughter is a pianist and I cannot sit in the same room as she when she plays. Other things that you might find uncomfortable in this register of your hearing are: clanking plates when a dishwasher is unloaded, screaming babies, violins, a nail being hammered in, being in full loud restaurants which have a lot of reflective surfaces etc.

Hyperacusis usually comes on gradually during late middle age, but can come on earlier if you have damaged hearing

Unfortunately there is no cure and it is a sign that your hearing is permanently damaged and needs protecting if you go into anywhere loud. So wear ear protection if you go to gigs. You may also get tinnitus with Hyperacusis, but not always. The good news is that if you protect your ears in loud environments it should not get worse.

Regarding Hi-Fi: I had to sell my Naim gear as it sounded harsh and affected my Hyperacusis. I demoed many solid state amps, front ends and speakers. I ended up with a Vitus amp and DAC - they have a wonderful sound with no hard edges that affect my hearing. Speakers I chose were Boenicke (a Swiss company making very natural sounding speakers). I also recommend Luxman amps, they were very smooth and didn’t affect my ears.

Good luck!

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