Ears hurt when listening after changing speakers

reduction in spl vs seating distance is almost perfectly linear with panel speakers and is almost exponential with point source speakers. Dispersion in the room is also different.

What I’m talking about is the idea of setting listening levels with a standard volume pot while standing and then moving to the listening position, vs adjusting while in the listening seat.

The experience of changes in sound levels while moving around the room is notably different in the two driver technology types.

Are you talking about listener fatigue (can't/don't want to listen for very long) or actual physical pain?

Thanks to all. I was using Paavo XA 160 amp with Audio Research LS27 preamp. Switched amps to VTL S-200

Don’t know anything about a Paavo amp??? but having the option of switching amps, especially to a good quality soft-clipping tube amp, should help troubleshoot at minimum with those speakers I suspect. Those speakers are speced at 4 ohms though so that could make them a somewhat challenging load for many amps.

Uh, the plot thickens. 😬