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Speaks for sensitive, tinnitus-y ears?

I know this is a tough one, but I would really appreciate some help. I listen to most of my music in a small room (10x20) at my desk. My music is on my mac (emagic audiowerk soundcard)which is routed to a decent small mixer (spirit), then to a adcom gfa 535. I had been using some old polk monitor 4a's (I think, though they are not labeled), but wanted a change so I bought some axiom m3ti's. Unfortunately, some music (other than acoustic/quiet) literally hurts my ears at even fairly low volumes. I can tell they are decent sounding speakers, but the sound seems too bright for me. I think part of the problem is I'm too near, but I can't change that. Any ideas for different speakers? Something that makes "rage against the machine" sound like Muzak ;-) I have assumed bookshelf monitors would be the way to go (looked for b&w, monitor audio, mission, wharfedale since at least some people say they roll off the highs), but maybe some nearfield monitors would be better? Or something else? Thanks, kj.
kjmo
Post removed 
unsound
7,329 posts
 
You can try carefully applying various layers of tissue over the tweeters untill you find something acceptable. Of course this may compromise other aspects, and perhaps crude, but none the less may be helpfull. If you proceed carefully, it will cost you very little to find out if it works for you.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,229 posts
 
Use the EQ feature in iTunes.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
IMHO you'd do much better getting the sound card out of your computer. Doing that conversion inside the environment of a computer has the potential to add all kinds of electronic grunge to your sound. Use either an external USB convertor, or a good USB DAC - convert the digits outside the computer. Also, make sure to rip your tunes as either Apple Lossless or WAV (uncompressed) format. If you are currently listening to MP3's and or downloaded music that could be the culpret right there. Compressed files certainly hurt my ears. As far as speakers go, look for soft-dome tweeters to cut down a bit on the harsh highs, but I really think my other suggestions will lead to more significant results.

Marco
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