Gonna have to ditch the Soundsmith Carmen II


I've given this cart the benefit of the doubt and then some, but it's going to have to go. 

the sibilance on s's is just to much. The sound isn't distorted, just way louder than the rest of the vocals. This happens to one degree or the other on all records with vocals. Sometimes it's barely noticeable sometimes it hard to bare. other than the sibilance I love the sound, I love the live nature of the music.  so I hate getting rid of it. 

So so the things I've done and made sure are dead on:

alighnment - that means SRA, VTA, TF, Azimuth, anti skate (per,SS), platter level, checked mounting hardware, checked tunntable . . .etc

my Denon 2x20L doesn't do this.

it may be there is a bad combo with some piece of equipment or loudspeaker and it just doesn't jive with the rest of the rig. 

My system:

VPI prime
Parasound JC3+ Phono pre
PAD phono cables
Decware integrated SET tube amp
Zu Omen Def MKII with Radian tweeter upgrade. 

So the question is what cart, around $1k will give that live dynamic sound, tracks well, but does emphasize the S's?

ones I'im interested in but have no way of hearing:

Ortofon Quintet Black
Audio Technica ART 9
???


last_lemming
I have a Carmen mkII and do not experience any real  sibilance (yes on a occasional record) but it seems to be the press more than the cartridge as it happens very very infrequently. VTA is the first thing I think of but that has been mentioned here so ummm bad tip?
One other obvious explanation that could give rise to sibilance is build up of dirt on the stylus. Have you examined it under a loupe or scope and do you have a regular cleaning program in place? Sure you’ve addressed this but for others with similar problems it can definitely be a source of issues. I find my stylus needs cleaning after each side or two, and this is with ultrasonicly cleaned discs
I clean before each side is played and check the condition of the cantilever and diamond often. 
Maybe you just don't like the way the cartridge sounds. Try a different cartridge. 
Please call me again - we can discuss the age of the cartridge and how to send it to me for immediate testing and repair if required. 

Peter Ledermann/Soundsmith