2. amps-preamps
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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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,185 posts
 

Start with buying much better equipment , such as Pass labs, Coda Boulder Gryphon, Goldman, Hegel , Naim ,Luxman and many others

myself I bought the excellent Coda CSIB integrated amp which is high bias in pure class A , with many amps or preamp the coupling capacitors ,even power capacitors can be upgraded and sonicly greatly improve its sonics ,

if you can’t afford a expensive amplifier then seek out a quality Audio technician and have it modded, Swiss capacitors like Elma Silmic actually have silk and give a smoother presentation , bypassing power capacitors with quality.1 uf poly caps smooth out the top end also , as well as the resistor type in Arcam very basic parts quality ,rule of thumb on average only 25% of the cost actually goes into it .The rest  R&D overhead and markup. There are many other things including quality WBT copper gold connectors ,vs the cheap gold plated brass that comes with most  pieces of equipment .in my system every component has upgraded connectors including power cords and Loudspeaker connectors and the very important Loudspeaker Xovers.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,781 posts
 

@haskisoundi 

You might be able to find a used Hegel H360. It’s class A/B and has more than enough power for your speakers. It’s neutral to a bit warm sounding. It’s probably going to be more than 2K, but you never know.

All the best.

JD

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,472 posts
 

I had that happen to me.....I sent the speaker back to the manufacturer who fixed the problem,

zonkler
16 posts
 

What is your budget? If it is just a few hundred you could consider a vintage MOSFET power amp like a Hafler. Should sound relatively “sweet” due to the lower order harmonics without breaking any banks.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

@zonkler +1! Those old Hafler DH200/220 amps are forgotten treasures! Capable of going up against today’s overpriced amps. I have one, along with the Hafler preamp!

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