This begs the question, do any of you have a favorite test track that shows sibilance?
Do some DACs "handle" sibilance better than others?
I recently watched a Hans B. review of the Ferrum Wandla in which he states that it "handles sibilance well," or something to that effect. Up to that point, I'd never come across such a comment, so I'm wondering whether anyone here has found that certain DACs are more/less prone to sibilance?
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A couple of months ago I bought and subsequently sold a well reviewed preamp that I could not listen to because of the additional silence that I heard that was not there with any of three other preamps or bypassing the preamp. Sting, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart were some of the voices. Interesting it was mostly male vocalists. |
OP, My main observation is just that sibilance is likely influenced by much greater factors than a DAC. It’s understandable why Hans B.’s comment caught your attention, as most reviewers don’t typically link DACs directly to sibilance. My point is not that Hans B. is a shill. My point is that when reviewers make definitive statements about how a component will sound in your system, they effectively become marketers. Why? Because they simply cannot know your room acoustics, your speakers, your cables, or your personal hearing sensitivities. These are all much larger factors that contribute significantly to how sibilance (or any frequency anomaly) manifests in your listening environment. Reviewers like Hans are in their own controlled (or uncontrolled) spaces with their specific equipment. They can’t predict how a DAC will interact with your unique setup. Ultimately, addressing sibilance often requires looking at the bigger picture of your audio chain and listening space rather than isolating one component like a DAC — even if your desire is not to make it worse. It’s just much more likely that the DAC is not relevant. My two cents. |
Plus 1 @soix Some chipsets produce a brighter sound and my ears can’t handle it anymore. I’ve also found that I have issues with most “Over Sampling” filters. That’s why I’ve stuck with the Pontus ll. If/when I upgrade my DAC, it will most likely be with another ladder DAC. I’m interested in following your journey. Jim |
So my goto sibilance test is the terrific Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions CD. I know this is considered an audiophile recording, mine is the regular CD, but despite meticulous technique and "special" mics, sometimes and throughout the album Margo's just too close miked and with enough ssses and ttts it overdrives the mic to "hard sss"; not enough to spoil the performance but noticeable on this chain: OPPO95, I2s, Pontus II (12th gen FPGA software), Holo Bliss KTE, OG Susvara HPs. Much more noticeable thru my Vandersteen HT system. |
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