Speakers, speaker cables or I’m getting old…

OP it's hyperacusis and I also suffer from it.Well made copper cabling throughout will help smooth out the sound,but ultimately can't undo bad or less than stellar recordings. Room treatments,DSP,and power conditioning help also.I love rock and blues music and finally achieved relief after adding a parametric equalizer to control those problematic upper mids.I'm not saying that's the right path to take for everyone, just my personal experience. I hope upgrading your cabling will be all you  need to get rid of the congestion and edginess.

You don't state your age, but I noticed that sometime in my mid-sixties, really loud music, especially live bands in bars, was offensive to my ears.  Could not stay in there.  Tinnitus was developing.  I still get great pleasure from my home setup, but at lower volumes.  And no more metal.

Yes, I should’ve been a little more detailed.

I went with PIne Tree Audio cabling for balanced/USB/power, and Audio Art cabling for my C20 power and speaker cabling.  

I’m running the PL X2.5, PS Audio DirectStream DAC, Innuous Pulse, PL X150.8, Inakustik 3500 and the Dyn Heritage Specials w/the Sub6.  I’m getting ready to test running my PL dedicated off a Shunyata Hydra Cyclops.

@mijostyn I 100% agree.  I have GIK Acoustic panels, and you’re correct.  There was some midrange energy building dead center, which is much tamer w/my mid trap set there, the other is behind my head.  I’m waiting for my isolation feet from Stack Audio.  I’m also waiting on a rack from Butcher Block Acoustics, along with some of their isolation platforms.  I’ve already taken the step to fill the stands with aquarium gravel.  They certainly resonated prior.

@jtcf Noted.  In both my prior setups I ran a DEQX Premate, unbelievable addition.  It’s limited though in the digital domain and setting them up is beyond an adventure.  But, once set up w/room treatments, it sounds unbelievable.  It is something I’m considering reintegrating, that or McIntosh’s MEN220.  I’ve tested one previously, another magic device.  Though, I won’t self-diagnose myself with a hearing condition, they certainly help smooth out those frequencies.

What you're experiencing is the sound of Heritage Specials vs Harbeth.  HS are overly detailed and can sound harsh and fatiguing, especially brand new out of the box.  I've owned Special 40s and loved that speaker, even more than the HS. Harbeth are super pleasant sounding speakers, even on recordings that are less than perfect.  Sorry, but this has nothing to do with the cables.  I've owned HS and every model Harbeth makes, except for the 40 series.  I liked the HS at first, until I realized I couldn't listen for very long, and the music became fatiguing, just like B&W.  I would suggest pairing your Pass to a different speaker that creates a more satisfying presentation.  

@toddcowles while I'm not saying this is your specific issue, I have a local contact who's complaining about the exact same issue you are now and he also runs those same AA cables you have now, fwtw.  Coincidence, i don't know.  They did not have the problem until they ran those cables you have now. Will be interesting when you report back about the upcoming changes you'll try next.  If you plan to keep the HS speakers, I believe you can make adjustments elsewhere, maybe.  

Also, not to derail you too much, but what preamplifier are you running wiht the X150.8 amp?

I heard that amp at a show a few years back at a show with some efficient Zu Audio speakers, and holy cow it just sounded terrible (overly fatiguing) with the volume turned up. All I could think of at that moment if they were to continue to run those speakers, was for them swapping out the preamp and swapping out the cables for something a little more forgiving, perhaps.  Will be interested in your update after you swap some of that out and try others. Best of Luck.