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Hyperacusis. Looking for recommendations

Hello everyone. Haven't posted to the forums in years but certainly been buying up all sorts of things lately. Ordered an Angstrom Stella amp that should be here next week. While the audio bug has reignited, unfortunately, so has my inability to actually enjoy music the way many of you might. If you are unfamiliar with Hyperacusis, it is the over-sensitivity to sound. Anything and everything can get very loud and sometimes painful. Sometimes it messes with my head so much I wind up half way ill for a few days. So, of course I haven't "turned it up" or anything. I've refined the DSP output through Roon to level out the peaks that really drive me nuts. However, the problem still lies within the overall mixing of most music. There's a reason things simply sound better when you do turn it up. Unfortunately, I don't get to experience that. 

So, I'm here to ask for assistance from you knowledgable folks on recommendations for speakers and, perhaps, amplifier combos that can still sound lively and engaging at low volumes (50-55dB, tops). Seems that speakers are going to be the main component at this stage so that why I posted here. But I'm looking for anything else that may be of help. While I'm typing, I thought that maybe electrostats might be a good way to go since they aren't point source (the spread would actually help I think). Hell, maybe those paired with the Angstrom would be a good fit? Maybe. Anyway. Trying not to write a book here. You get the picture. I've never tried to go the ultra-low volume route before so I don't know what would work well. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, folks!

tiggerfc
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 

My hyperacusis only affects high frequencies and will result in pain. It's intermittent and can happen at any time as well as being triggered by music.

I love the sound of tubes. I also found that using combinations of tubes throughout my entire chain in combination with soft dome speakers has increased my listening time.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,204 posts
 

I am not sure how horns and other ultra efficient designs factor into things??

At 50-60dB one could have super inefficient speakers at 80dB/W/m and use a 1W amp and easily power them.

Super inefficient speakers do not play well with milliwatts.  In my experience driving super inefficient speakers with milliwatts will sound anemic at low volume. High efficiency speakers can play well with milliwatts and not sound anemic at low volume.  Example: Both speakers will be getting milliwatts @ 50-60 dB SPL.😎

Mike

 

 

emrofsemanon's avatar
emrofsemanon
292 posts
 

if i were you i’d go for very wide-dispersion as those will tend to have a "softer" presentation at the listening position, also i’d go for surround sound so there are no "hot spots" of more intense sound. i would also stick to SET amps as [finally got to hear one!] those sound more dynamic at least to these ears, at low volumes.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,446 posts
 

So sorry to hear about your hearing. I can’t listen for very long to certain sax and electric guitar music if it’s louder than 75 ish dbs.

Anyway, did you order the Stella integrated?  If so, with a 100 watts a side you can A myriad of different speakers. While they are horn speakers, the entire Klispch Heritage series speakers will play great at lower levels. And depending on your budget, the Harbeth 40.3 play very nicely at lower levels as well.

All the best.

JD

wolf_garcia
6,804 posts
 

Again, there is no denying the dreaded Fletcher-Munson curve. To combat this you need some sort of EQ, or badly designed speakers with an EQ curve like a big smile.

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