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
Ha! That's nothing. You should see some of the other guys' rigs. We've been at this a long time, so yeah, it can become a bit of an obsession. While my gear is a little esoteric, it didn't set me back that much and was built up over the years. I will say though that it sounds pretty good.

Do you plan to finish that basement area eventually? My junk is in my basement as well, but mine is finished and furnished etc....and yes I bet it sounds pretty darn good! 
Actually, no. It sounds good. Junk's in the attic. I was going to build a music room addition but decided against it as I like that the basement is silent and free of vibration.
Ah I got it. Yes I do not see how there would any vibrations there for sure. I like my stuff in basement for same reasons, no footfalls and the wall my turntable is mounted to is concrete, so zero vibrations. There is carpet down there as well as a very large sectional with toss pillows, blankets etc...so a good mix of absorption and reflection etc....walls are all dry walled, as well as ceiling. 
When ever I encounter a sibilant record I switch to my digital 3K -3 db notch filter curve and it goes right away at the expense of a little "presence." Problem solved.