Ears hurt when listening after changing speakers

Intensity (in this case sound pressure level) falls off by 6 dB for each doubling of distance from a point source, and by 3 dB for each doubling of distance from a line source.

@audiokinesis

Yep, this is one of the main engineering arguments people have for why hybrid speakers don’t integrate well. An argument I usually find is dispelled with bass traps and proper EQ. :)

I mean, yes, ultimately this makes the speakers 1 distance speakers, but if you are all at a couch, for instance, integration works.


Best,
E

I am considering Rockport Atria IIs. I am having a similar problem. My system is posted. 

I was a Spectral / Avalon guy until recently. For 20 years with Spectral, this November my Avalons will be 14 years old. In 2016, I switched to Pass Lab. I had a problem with the Avalons becoming bright and edgy, Additional room treatment tamed everything.

This will be my final system. Since 2016, I switched from Spectral to Pass Lab. Bought (2) new TTs,arms, cartridges. Kept the MIT cables. 

Went to an Ear Specialist on Monday 8/26/19. He also happens to be a 'phile. My ears were not very dirty, but he cleaned what little was there. Skin infection of ny ears and in canal. Also prescribed oily ear drops with steriods.  Set me up for a hearing test on 9/11/19. He said that he wanted me to like him as much as I like my foot doctor and that he was going to help.

During the last 4-5 months. I have been auditioning speakers. Rockport Atria Is,  Wilson, Sabrinas, Y'vettes, Sasha 2s,  Paradigm (don't remember) Focal Sopra 2&3s. The Rockport dealer, has given me a 3 week home audition and did initial setup and came back 5 or 6 days latter to tame brightness / edgyness that I was unhappy with. Moved them about 5" back and 2" closer together, with almost no toe-in. Much Better. 

Today is day 5, of the ear drops. My ears have stopped itching and hearing is a bit better Still have my Avalons and they sound better too.

Was diagnosed with MS in Sept 2016  Thought that music would be the last thing that the disease would allow me to enjoy. It has taken so many other things already. Hope my hearing is not another one.                      
                

Hi @nkonor

Sorry about your diagnosis.

Two things which may help you is listening with cans and really good room acousutics. For reasons too long to post, both can reduce mental fatigue a great deal, your brain no longer attempts to spend energy separating out the music from the room, which can be a heavy burden.

Best of luck to you,

Erik

FWIW I have found MIT cables good as cables go at taking the edge off the sound if needed, but better to not need to in the first place.

Fro what I've heard at shows, Rockport speakers can be brutally revealing.