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
I would have to agree with that jdub071...I do not believe you can totally  rid any system  (at any cost) of sibilance if it is indeed in the pressing. To do so would entail curtailing the high frequencies to the point where presence is lost, as well as detail in the higher registers....
To do so would entail curtailing the high frequencies to the point where presence is lost, as well as detail in the higher registers....
No. Not so at all. Better tracking using a better table, better arm and cartridge along with better control of the signal using better phono amplification does improve how the system reacts to smearing and sibilance. I’m listening to an old fairly worn Decca recording Debut/Marcy Lutes amd can hear wear mistracking and hints of sibilance. I know this record used sound worse on my earlier rigs. My current system is pretty high resolution and there is no sibilance. So, to recap, fixing the issues does not mean rolling off the detail.
Now that I run a Hana SL, I experience sibilance rarely, and it’s barely noticeable on records that used to be the worst offenders. I’ve noticed the problem is always greater when using a cart with an elliptical stylus. I understand the Hana EL is alleged to be very good for an elliptical, but so is the SS Carmen, and that cart was more sibilant than any line-contact or Shibata stylus I’ve used.

I get that many recordings have sibilance cut into the grooves, but I figure one might as well try to minimize the severity by running a cart with an advanced stylus profile. I’m so through with ellipticals that I’d rather listen to digital than be stuck with one.