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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: Lowrider57
I wonder if using headphones would work as a troubleshooting tool ? It could rule out any components."

It's a very good idea, but I don't think it would be too reliable. There would be no way to tell if the ringing is caused by the room or the system.
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
But it would tell you if the OP's ears are bad...
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
3,018 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
782 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.
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