Is it me or new audio gear is too perfect and give ear fatigue?

I get ear fatigue when the presentation is what I call too bright.  Changing Tubes (or even amps) and DACs is how I deal with it. 

If I find myself turning the music down because it sounds too loud (I listen at 68 to 75 dB) then I have a brightness problem.

Jerry

I have heard many fatiguing systems like you describe. Typically the higher end the less “fatigue” will be involved. The inexpensive stuff typically has a very high noise floor (this is subtle to hear directly for the non-trained ear… it just manifests itself as fatigue) and high frequency distortion. These go away with high quality detailed oriented equipment. But you can easily still be left with over accentuated details and a lean threadbare presentation with good bass slam.

I have left many an audition shaking my head in disbelief. On the other hand 40 or fifty years ago I would have left extolling all the virtues.

To me one of the long term draws of the pursuit is learning about sound and music as well as equipment and sound reproduction. Each like an onion… you peal back one after another layer and find more aspects of musical reproduction. In my youth I crave the obvious… details and slam. As I got much more experienced imaging, soundstaging, overall balance. But as I learned what real music sounds (acoustical) I started realizing capturing the musical essence has to do with rhythm and pace, mid range bloom and balanced presentation. No end… just keeps getting better.

Strongly disagree that most new gear is bright. It really boils down to speaker choice and system matching. For example, my current DAC is a Chinese DAC that measures extremely well. I usually at listen at around 84 db volume and I don’t find it bright at all; DAC pretty much matches the tonality of my turntable. 

For example, my current DAC is a Chinese DAC that measures extremely well.

@arize84 Topping makes some DACs that are quite smooth on top and measure well and are also inexpensive. High end audio is not driven by cost, its driven by intent. However even though a source might work just fine that says nothing about design issues in a power amp. For example if its lacking in gain bandwidth product and also has feedback it will sound bright and harsh at higher power levels. This is because the feedback will fall off at higher frequencies causing an increase in distortion. This particular problem is endemic with 99% of all solid state amps made.

@ghdprentice , soundstage and imaging is what I prefer.  I guess the late 70s equipment and some 80s is what floats my boat.  I have not gotten lucky to probably hear all equipment, I just stuck with brands that I remember and like.  With the internet, I can read more about vintage and new gear, also check on Youtube to hear how it sounds (compressed down).  There is something about those Pioneers SX receivers that has that imaging that keeps me engage to listening to music.

@carlsbad , agree, certain DACS are better sounding.  I also picked up a Freya +  I'm happy using the Schiit DAC and the Yamaha CDS2100 CD DAC.  Always wanted a pair of Thiel's to try.  I lust as the catalogs when they use to show his models of speakers.

Again, not trying to offend anyone on new gear, I just feel the specs are near perfect in the tonality.