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
haskisoundi OP
25 posts
 

I can make a recommendation of a class AB amp that would work for you within your budget. I'm currently using a Bryston 4B SST2.  I find it fatigue free.

Thanks for sharing, great setup and great amp. If going the separates route, I'd unfortunately also need a preamp and I mentioned I would like the ease of use of an integrated, or at least be able to control the power amp (on/off/standby) from the preamp. The amp does seem smooth, especially in the treble, but when I read things in reviews such as "The piano notes were sharply defined", The bass notes from the drum kit struck quickly or "the cymbals for the drum kit sounded sharp", I worry if this amp would be work for me in terms of this "transient" issue that I'm fixated on. Again, I find it hard to identify the amps that work for me based on reviews, specs and measurements.

yyzsantabarbara
4,883 posts
 

I get fatigue very easily if the gear is fatiguing or the room is fatiguing. I would check you room first to see if you have too much sound waves banging around in there. 

If you room passes that test and you still have fatigue then it is your gear. I have tried a lot of gear recently and the most relaxing and smooth gear has been the new Class A KRELL XD amps. I do not think you can get fatigue from this gear, as much as I have tried.

The KRELL K-300i integrated is amazing. I sold it to buy the KRELL DUO 175XD. I am going to sell or trade-in that 175XD for a more powerful XD amp. If you can find a K-300i jump on it. I spoke to a KRELL dealer recently and he said the K-300i integrated is selling extremely well. I also owned the CODA CSiB and preferred the KRELL K-300i (smoother).

My issue now is that I listen to way too much music. Not sure how long my ears will last at this rate. For example, yesterday I started at 8:30AM and finished at 2:30AM. The last 5 hours were with headphones.

No fatigue at all. I used to get a lot of fatigue before I sorted out my room acoustics and gear. It was mostly the room causing fatigue with my 2-channel and the gear for my headphones. I now use the KRELL amp(s) for both.

 

jdub39
497 posts
 

Get an air purifier and take some allergy medicine stat ! 

haskisoundi OP
25 posts
 

Thanks @yyzsantabarbara for the propositions and sharing your experience. Those Krells look amazing and the integrated would be perfect. Unfortunately they are out of my price range currently.

That's a pretty impressive amount of listening indeed! I'm jealous now ;) Hard to imagine that one could listen to too much music, but I understand the worry for the ears. I know there's a relation with how many dbs you can listen for how long without damage, so I imagine with the adequate volume you can listen as much as you'd like.

I'll definitely do my best with the room acoustics. I can currently only listen in the living room, which has issues acoustically. I've put some panels and did my best, but I'm limited by WAF and other factors. But there is something inherent in some amps that don't agree with me (at least combined with the current speakers) and I had issues in 3 different rooms of the apartment, one of which has a lot of acoustic treatment.

Looks also like I really need to save up and invest in higher end gear at some point...

haskisoundi OP
25 posts
 

@jdub39 thanks! How I'm feeling definitely affects this problem and I have allergies. That's a good point. I do have an air purifier in the bedroom and allergy medication at hand, I'll test out if I see a relationship between these things.

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