Where did you get that information from? If anything, B&O have often seemed to roll-off the high end slightly in order to make the speakers more comfortable to listen to over extended periods.

For me personally, after spending 2 hours at the B&O showroom listening to a wide range of music, including pop, piano, orchestra, new age and rock, I had a headache, and so did my partner. The volume wasn't at unbearable levels, and at I honestly didn't find the sound I heard directly offending.

Could this be due to listener fatigue? I currently own electrostatic speakers which have an awesome midrange and treble that are very smooth and very easy to listen to.

Maybe you are just used to a slightly softer sound? I can't say I've listened to BeoLab 5s for extended periods, although I am very accustomed to their sound.

It may be down to the volume more than anything. BeoLab 5s have the ability to play tremendously loud without sounding like they're working at all. Hence, what sounds like 'normal' listening levels can actually be much louder than you think.

Theoretically, if the piano and orchestra music is giving you a headache, then so should piano and orchestra performances in real life.

soundproof:

In fact, on the BL5s, the treble goes lower after 6000Hz ... according to a most knowledgeable friend of mine: "Not unusual, in order to reduce possible tape hiss, etc. on non-monitor speakers." Must confess I haven't seen any measurements showing a boosted treble. Do you have links, Wonderfulelectric?

Sorry can't find the links.

Try HERE