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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
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,216 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
hahnzie
19 posts
 
I would check out small speakers from spendor. Though I don't own them myslef I have auditioned them and they have a very non-fatiguing quality.
jimmdavis
63 posts
 
I totally second what Marco said. Get the conversion out of the computer. Also, I'd get that mixer out of the path -- a decent external USB DAC (e.g., M-Audio, Presonus) will be all the preamp you need.
kjmo OP
2 posts
 
Thanks all, so far. I'm sure the sound card isn't optimal, but pro's used them for years with good results. I've had a usb m-audio, and the sound wasn't even close, even if it was cleaner. Unfortunately, I need a mixer, as I have all kinds of inputs to deal with. I would like to get a nicer mixer though, possibly usb/firewire, as you say.

My old polks weren't nearly as harsh though, so I kind of think the speakers might be the biggest contributor. I've never heard the spendors, so I'll try to look for a chance to listen to them. Are there others that are especially good that way? I'll remember the soft-dome tweeter part. I hadn't thought of it, but it does seem like metallic tweeters could be more harsh.
As far as itunes, I only import apple lossless. The eq in itunes is a good idea. I tried it on the treble reducer setting, and it is much better. At one time, I stopped using it for some reason (bad distortion, i think?), but I don't hear anything odd, so that might be an option for at least a while. Anyway, thanks again, kj.
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