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I'm putting to rest worrying about sibilance

I just ran a test on three different turntables I own. I played various recordings, each of which exhibit sibilance to some degree, mostly female vocalists. The three tables are pro-ject the classic with the hana el, music hall mmf7 with factory mounted eroica h, and my brand new thorens td 240-2 with the ortofon om10 also factory installed. My dilemma began with constant worrying about the first table (the pro-ject) as I thought I was hearing a bit of sibilance only on certain records. So I played the very same records, mostly used from thrifts etc, on all three tables and adjusting volume or gain for each. Well, I found that all three table and cartridge combinations exhibit the sibilance in the same parts of songs on each recording. My findings are that what I perceive as higher sibilance on the hana can be contributed to its (imo) better high frequency response. In other words, the other tables and cartridges had the sibilance, but to a lesser prominence, but it WAS there. So my conclusion is that it Is just inherent in the lp medium to some degree, and more so with used records. I have farted around enough with the hana el and I am no longer going to fret over it. I would have a hard time believing that all three tables and cartridges are that badly aligned etc to all cause some sibilance here and there. All three were checked and seem to be dead on. The only table I personally installed cartridge on was the pro- ject (hana el) also, three preamps were tried during testing, my marantz pm14s1 built in, a musical fidelity lx lps, and a pro-ject tube box ds2. Lastly the hana el was adjusted when installed to align with the cartridge body and not the cantilever (just easier imo) using a proper protractor, and the vta was adjusted so that the hana is a bit ass down, as I think the hana sounds right like that. So there is my conclusion. I’ve been reading forum after forum about the sibilance issue somehave, but I think I feel better after doing what I did as described above, and refuse to drive my self nuts any longer!😁
Just to add, the listening was first performed on the other 2 tables, the mmf7 and thorens, again both have factory installed cartridges, also checked by me. In doing so I ruled out the hana inscribing the record grooves with the sibilance in the event its mis aligned, which it is not....
128x128audioguy85
arrowheadrss
30 posts
 
Your tables and cartridges are good solid entry level products, that is not to say there are the equivalent of a 50 grand analog rig but they are quite capable of reproducing quality sound. I have been setting up TT's for over 4 decades and worked on tables from 100 dollars to 100 grand and I can assure you, you can have good sound on a budget provided everything is set up correctly. In your case I would suggest 2 things 
(1) Get a record cleaner if you don't already have one.
(2) I always suggest to clients if they can afford it, to purchase a phono preamp that has adjustments for capacitance loading, resistance loading and gain level.
I have found throughout the years some clients have preferred a different loading option than what specified by the manufacture, an adjustable phono preamp makes that option available to the user. 
Read slimpikins5 post on 5/24 as an example of how changing loading can make a difference.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85 OP
1,989 posts
 
I have all that....record cleaners, several, and I own pro jects tube box with adjustable loading from 10 to 1000 ohms, and capacitance as well for mm...I adjusted to about 450 to 500 for the hana el and I like the sound signature there. The vta is slightly rear end down and I like that too. The other way is too harsh In the treble and less bass. My bass is fantastic where if is now and the cartridge sounds nice and open. My records are cleaned 3 different ways...spin clean, hand not used much though, discwasher d4 ( old system not new crap), and vinyl revival from the UK no alcohol.....most of my records look unplayed.....also used is musical fidelity lx lps with loading plugs etc...also, maybe entry level to you...but I disagree....a rega p1 is an example of an entry level table. My tables cost 4 times as much, maybe 5 times. Middle of the road is more accurate. I have zero sibalance on instruments, they sound spectacular!  It's just certain or occasional pressings, mostly female vocalists where it is sometimes present. 
mhmeyers's avatar
mhmeyers
66 posts
 
Don’t mean to beat a dead horse but...
This sibilance issue is precisely what drove me toward linear tracking turntables. 
Anyone else here run linear tracking TTs? 
lewm
12,448 posts
 
Teo, so are you saying that Teflon dielectric causes sibilance? Not to mention “magnetic” electrolytics and RCA jacks? I don’t even know where one could buy the latter two items; they virtually don’t exist.. And gain stages by definition cannot be passive. And LOMC cartridges are just as prone to exhibit sibilance as are any other types, given the particular LP, the setup, and the right ancillary components.
tablejockey
3,771 posts
 
Pressings will vary in quality. Before blaming the record, take that exact album an play it on a nicer table and you may not hear sibilance.

I've done this, an was sadly reminded my mid fi setup simply isn't up to the task with some albums.

VPI Classic/Kiseki Blue-Fosgate tubed phono=$7Kish full retail, and you still get reminded there is another league of higher fi.
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