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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
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,828 posts
 

Croft Integrated Phono. 3 tubes in the phono/preamp section and 45 watt MOSFET output. Sweet and detailed. Add an aftermarket NOS Mullard tube (in the output buffer position #3) to take any edge off. (new unit, Save the wait and $400 used unit)

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 

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.

This is caused by higher ordered harmonics that are part of the distortion spectra of the amplifier. In this case, those higher ordered harmonics are not masked by the lower orders. The ear is keenly sensitive to the higher orders as it uses them to sense sound pressure. It also converts all forms of distortion to a tonality; the higher orders are interpreted as 'harsh and bright'.

An amplifier that has enough lower ordered harmonic distortion (the 2nd and 3rd) can mask the presence of the higher orders and so sound smoother. This is why most tube amps sound smoother than most solid state amps.

Getting a solid state amp to do this or have low enough distortion so the harmonics are actually masked by the music is a bit of a trick, but they do exist.

haskisoundi OP
25 posts
 

Thanks for the quick replies. I totally agree that the listening space is crucial, not off-base at all. I have had the system in different rooms and my listening room is currently treated with a good number of GIK panels and bass traps. The room can cause issues, but I don't it's affecting the main issue I'm hearing.

I usually don't toe in speakers at all, and the Buchardt recommends to keep them straight. Toe-in does make the sound brighter, but I don't feel it affects the main issue I'm trying to describe. To exaggerate, the transients feel like loud noises that make you instinctively close your eyes.

My ears are evidently particularly sensitive to this. I knew that I could only listen to headphones at very low volumes, but before getting into better gear, I had never had issues with speaker systems. Would be interesting to hear if anybody else has had something similar.

Thanks for the Luxman recommendation. That's a brand that I associate with the kind of sound I'm looking for, but haven't had the chance to test and it's unfortunately not in my budget.

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russ69's avatar
russ69
3,520 posts
 

Perhaps your phono cartridge is not tracking properly or is worm out?

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