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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
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?

haskisoundi OP
25 posts
 

Thanks atmasphere! That’s a very detailed explanation and makes sense to me. Sound pressure is exactly what I’m feeling. I know Nelson Pass talks a lot about different ordered harmonics regarding his designs. Not sure they would be right, but out of my price range unfortunately.

Thanks for the Croft recommendation too, I’ll look into it. I think I had it as an option at some point, not sure why I decided against it. I’m ideally looking for an all solid state design, but open to having tubes in the pre.

I have two turntables with very different cartridges (MC and MM) and I don’t feel that makes the difference. Adjusting VTA, especially on the Hana SL, makes a difference in terms of smoothness/harshness, but it’s not the main issue. I also feel the issue with different DACs.

 

gestalt's avatar
gestalt
190 posts
 

You might like the Konus Audio Integrale, coming from someone who primarily listens to vacuum tube amps.

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