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  3. 178972-1979

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

Showing 2 responses by larryi

larryi
3,719 posts
 

What are your other selection criteria, such as price, size, placement requirement/limitations, etc.?  The best systems for playing softly are quite large horn systems, but, most of the good ones are not commercial models, and they are quite expensive.  Some high efficiency systems also seem to be quite dynamic and would sound good at modest levels.  I like the Charney Companion systems for their ability to deliver a full and lively sound at modest levels.  Audio Note speakers are also a good choice because they sound full and rich at lower volume levels.

If you can find an old Quad 57 electrostatic system in good working order, that would be a good choice too.

Good luck on your search.

larryi
3,719 posts
 

I agree that Soundlabs would also be terrific for listening at modest levels, but, the models I really like are monsters in size and they look bigger than their specified dimensions would suggest.  

I don't know if you are still in the Virginia Beach area, but, if you can get up to the Tyson's corner area of Northern Virginia, stop into Deja Vu Audio--they specialize in tube gear and speakers for tube gear.  I think the Audio Note line that they carry will be of interest to you.  They also make their own custom designed system, mostly using a mix of vintage and new drivers, and many of their high efficiency systems are terrific at low volume levels.

Another nice system at low volume level is the Soundkaos Model 42, but this Swiss made system would probably be extremely hard to find.  

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