Why do my ears ring with my new amplifier?

Dweller,

You are right in that I'm increasing the volume with this new amp.

The amp is so dynamic that I'm turning it up to hear the quieter parts in the background which really builds up the stronger parts. And, as I turn it up, my ears ring even worse.

That's why I'm wondering if it's the increased bass energy or sound pressure, and if it is, how do I tame it?

Thanks,
Chuck

Thanks Schubert, at least your comment gives validation to your negative feedback.

To everyone else, I'd really like your experience and thoughts.

I have three 2' x 4' x 4" absorption panels on each sidewall. I also have two 2' x 4' x 6" absorption panels behind me, with two 2' x 4' x 4" absorption panels behind the 6" panels, effectively giving me 10" thick panels behind me.

I know that's a lot of absorption, but the sound is crystal clear. Now if I can tame whatever's causing the ringing when I sitting in the room.

Thanks,
Chuck

Zd542,

The amp is still breaking in, the dealer said that it will take closer to three months rather than the 400 hours Simaudio states.

The Audio Research DSi200 is not one of their tube amps, it's a SS preamp and a Class D amp. You're right, the upper frequencies are a lot more revealing and natural now. But I don't notice them being overly bright. That's why I don't think that's the problem, although repositioning the toe-in of the speakers sounds logical with the change.

Thanks,
Chuck

Zd542,

The speakers are wired in phase. I have vocals that are dead set in the center of the soundstage. All instruments are well defined throughout the soundstage as well, much better than before.

Chuck

Thanks everyone!

I'll start with spreading out my absorption panels behind my chair to have a wall of 6" panels.

I'll also check out the speaker toe-in and rake.

I'll also see if I can listen at lower volumes and pick out the quiet passages easier.

Chuck

Hi all, thanks for your replies,

I talked to John Pharo, my buddy at The Cable Company, right after I posted this thread. He also suspected the odd harmonics, as Uberdine mentioned.

I think the problem was that the 600i hadn't broken in fully yet, and as John said too, that causes the odd harmonics to be accentuated.

It now seems to have settled in. My ears aren't ringing and it's sounding great. At the same time, I think that the 6" absorption panels all the way across the wall behind me may also be helping.

Thanks to everyone who helped with their suggestions. At some point I'll play with the toe-in to see if this new system needs the adjustments.

Chuck