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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
illuminator OP
59 posts
 

Zd542,

The amp is still breaking in, the dealer said that it will take closer to three months rather than the 400 hours Simaudio states.

The Audio Research DSi200 is not one of their tube amps, it's a SS preamp and a Class D amp. You're right, the upper frequencies are a lot more revealing and natural now. But I don't notice them being overly bright. That's why I don't think that's the problem, although repositioning the toe-in of the speakers sounds logical with the change.

Thanks,
Chuck
illuminator OP
59 posts
 

Zd542,

The speakers are wired in phase. I have vocals that are dead set in the center of the soundstage. All instruments are well defined throughout the soundstage as well, much better than before.

Chuck
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,742 posts
 
Use an SPL meter to read absolute volume. The new amp may have a different spectral balance, be smoother, etc. which may encourage you to increase the volume.
This could cause ringing if too loud.
illuminator OP
59 posts
 

Dweller,

You are right in that I'm increasing the volume with this new amp.

The amp is so dynamic that I'm turning it up to hear the quieter parts in the background which really builds up the stronger parts. And, as I turn it up, my ears ring even worse.

That's why I'm wondering if it's the increased bass energy or sound pressure, and if it is, how do I tame it?

Thanks,
Chuck
minorl
1,014 posts
 
Do your ears ring when no music is playing but the equipment is on?

I've never heard of this problem. It may be a high frequency oscillation in the amp/system combination or the amp may have a fault.

Unplug everything except the amp and speakers and turn the amp on. Ringing? yes, there is a problem with the amp. No ringing? Plug a cd player (any cd player) into the integrated amp. Ringing? yes, amp/system oscillation problem. Again, problem with the amp. No ringing? may be your streamer.

test each component connected separately.

Also, it may be a time of the day issue where you are getting noise injected into your system through your electrical system that may have been blocked by the previous component, but not by this one.

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