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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!

tiggerfc
mrmb's avatar
mrmb
299 posts
 

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?   

 

mrmb's avatar
mrmb
299 posts
 

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....

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 

unless you meant Quad 63 which attempt to emulate a…point source….

larryi
3,759 posts
 

What are your other selection criteria, such as price, size, placement requirement/limitations, etc.?  The best systems for playing softly are quite large horn systems, but, most of the good ones are not commercial models, and they are quite expensive.  Some high efficiency systems also seem to be quite dynamic and would sound good at modest levels.  I like the Charney Companion systems for their ability to deliver a full and lively sound at modest levels.  Audio Note speakers are also a good choice because they sound full and rich at lower volume levels.

If you can find an old Quad 57 electrostatic system in good working order, that would be a good choice too.

Good luck on your search.

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