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Why do my ears ring with my new amplifier?


I just changed integrated amplifiers on January 2, 2015. I went from an Audio Research DSi200 to a Simaudio 600i. I'm running a Lumin A1 Network Streamer and Dynaudio C1 speakers. Those haven't changed. I'm also in the same 10' x 12' room.

My setup sounds great when I'm outside of my room. When I walk in and sit down, my ears start ringing.

I don't think that the high frequencies are the problem. Is this too much bass energy in the room, too much sound pressure, or what do you think?

Does anyone have a suggestion on what's needed to correct this problem?

Thanks,
Chuck
illuminator
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"02-04-15: Swampwalker
But it would tell you if the OP's ears are bad.."

I don't see why you would need headphones diag the OP's ears.
If he has tinnitus, he should hear the ringing all the time. And the more quiet the environment, the the worse the ringing gets.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,402 posts
 
By all accounts, he doesn't have tinnitus. That's correct, he would hear it in other locations either all the time or intermittently.
I was grasping at straws to see if the system sounded better/worse with headphones; maybe more neutral by eliminating the room. A separate issue from the ringing I guess.
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,047 posts
 
I've noticed HF ringing in my ears during speaker break-in in at least one case in the past, but can't recall ever noticing that with any amps I've used. But, EMI/RFI in the room may be playing a role, too, possibly...making the break-in effect of the amp more noticeable?? If this does not begin to clear up toward the end of the break-in period, then there is most likely another cause...assuming you haven't found it by then.
uberdine
100 posts
 
My guess is you're turning it up subconsciously because it lacks bass, and the ringing is due to odd-order harmonic distortion. Once the amp has broken in properly it might get a bit better, but 100 hours is usually enough to know if it's going to be an ongoing issue.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I was grasping at straws to see if the system sounded better/worse with headphones; maybe more neutral by eliminating the room. A separate issue from the ringing I guess."

Its certainly worth a try just to see what happens, but not only would you be eliminating the room with headphones, but the amp, speakers, some of the cables, and possibly the preamp depending on where the headphone amp is.
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