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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
tablejockey
3,772 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.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85 OP
1,989 posts
 
Played certain records on three different tables, soon a fourth, all three with different set ups and cartridges. Sibilance there on all three, and I bet I’ll get it on the fourth as well. I dont have anywhere to take these records to play on a hi end turntable, and I have my doubts that the sibilance will disappear even on one.
I just played an instrumental record called Tijuana taxi and it blew me away....no sibilance any where on high frequencies, no distortion. Fantastic soundstage too. So I really doubt my set ups are garbage. This was played on the pro-ject the classic sb superpack with the Hana el low output moving coil. Imo, with the exception of occasional sibilance on a few pressings with vocals, this combo, combined with pro-ject’s tube box DS2, is a Winner.
tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
audioguy85-

You need to play the exact record on a top notch  system to come to your conclusion. I've done it many times. There have been instances sibilance indeed, is on the pressing. The outcome can go both ways.

Your gear is fine. It just isn't near the "best". Relax and listen to music.

teo_audio
2,197 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.


I made incomplete statements that are more indication of directions to move in.... and expect folks to do their homework, is all.
arrowheadrss
30 posts
 
In your post on 5/20 you stated that 20% to 25% ("1 out of every 4 or 5") of your records exhibit some sort of sibilance, that is unacceptable in terms of what is normal for sibilance in any given record collection. The general consensus among my customers who own large record collections (5,000 or more) is that 1% to 5% of records with sibilance issues is about normal. After every cartridge setup I play a test record to verify all my parameters are set correctly. The test record is an important tool in cartridge setup without one you can never be certain every parameter is correct.If you do not have a test record already I would suggest getting one, especially with 3 TT's in your stable.
I would also suggest taking some of your problem LP's to other peoples systems to see if the sibilance problem still exists in there systems.
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