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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
ebm
9,311 posts
 

You got the wrong amp if this happens.

quinster
10 posts
 

Suggest adding the Sugden A21SE to your list of class A amps. It is well reviewed everywhere and very available for audition in Europe. Also cheaper than othe options.

 

I am very sensitive to sharpness as well, and although finally I went with luxman (more neutral) the Sugden was on my list.

 

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

Based upon Duckworp's post, have you scheduled an appointment with an audiologist/ENT?  All the suggested equipment fixes are nonsense if you don't address the root cause of your problem!

I thought that @duckworp post was veery good, and something that I had a similar reason to visit an audiologist for once.
But the fact that the OP said that three of the amps they mentioned were fine, that sort of runs counter to it being the OP’s ears. 

haskisoundi OP
25 posts
 

Based upon Duckworp's post, have you scheduled an appointment with an audiologist/ENT?  All the suggested equipment fixes are nonsense if you don't address the root cause of your problem!

I didn't indeed react to that part in detail. I have been to an ENT and although he could see that subjectively I was sensitive to loud noises, there was nothing physiologically wrong and nothing that could be done from a medical point of view. I've been more sensitive than average for as long as I can remember, feeling the need for earplugs when others didn't, struggling with headphone listening, etc. I play instruments and have been in bands. As said, listening on a speaker system, I never had this issue before going to higher end models and my theory was that the higher precision and faster transients translate to a higher perceived air pressure.

 

haskisoundi OP
25 posts
 

Suggest adding the Sugden A21SE to your list of class A amps.

Thanks, added!

 ...purchase of a used Luxman L-505uxii.  It really mitigated the problem and is a fantastic match with my speakers.  I had Herron pre and Pass XA-25 power (tube pre, class A power) and I do miss the smoothness in some backing vocals.  Overall a very smooth, engaging, dynamic, and powerful presentation though...

Thanks, that sounds like a similar case to mine indeed. There is a 505 for a similar price than you paid in Germany currently, which could be an option. The 509 is very tempting and seems like a big step up, but too much over by budget, even used. Looking at the reviews of the 505, the smoothness doesn't get a lot of mention, rather the precision, quickness and power. I worry that it might not be smooth enough in terms of what I'm worried about regarding these fast transient and air pressure. However, if this is rather an issue of frequencies, harmonic distortion as several have mentioned, or glare as you put it, perhaps I'm looking at the problem wrong.

I do have a feeling that part of what works for me in tube amps is that they are usually described as "slower" and that slight smoothing of transients agrees better with my ears, in addition to the smoother presentation. So I fear that powerful solid state amps could be an issue, therefore the lower powered class A amps feel like a safer choice. But again, perhaps this is a wrong diagnosis from my part.

@wlutke Can you described a little more in detail the difference in sound compared to the Pass Labs, especially regarding the aspects I mention?

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