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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
 
I think I may have figured out what your problem is. Your room is very small. Because of this, you probably have your listening chair very close to the rear wall, or maybe even right up against it. When you are too close to the rear wall, its like cupping your hands when you're having trouble hearing something. I don't think you have tinnitus because it looks like you're only having a problem with your system, and nothing else. If you do have tinnitus, you should hear the ringing under other circumstances as well.
plasmatech
77 posts
 
One end of your room needs to be dead. You may trying covering the wall behind your listening chair with some sound absorbing material after adjusting the rake angle of the speaker. One position is not ideal for all amp/speaker combinations. Try raising the front up a bit and see if the music changes.....better or worse....dial close, then room treat. PT
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
I have tinnitus and in the beginning, it would happen at random times and in different ears. Now that I'm older it's permanent, but rarely interferes with a listening session.
I think you need to use sound absorption and deadening the rear wall is a good experiment.
illuminator OP
59 posts
 
Thanks everyone!

I'll start with spreading out my absorption panels behind my chair to have a wall of 6" panels.

I'll also check out the speaker toe-in and rake.

I'll also see if I can listen at lower volumes and pick out the quiet passages easier.

Chuck
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,393 posts
 
I wonder if using headphones would work as a troubleshooting tool ? It could rule out any components.
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