Anyone have experience with using de-esser for sibilance in home audio system?

I would be surprised if there is anything wrong with your ears. Does the issue happen with every song that you hear or only with some of the songs?

As far as the de-esser is concerned it could possibly help, as could a parametric e.q. Most de-essers now days are plug-ins so you would need a DAW to be able to use one. The couple of outboard de-essrs that I’m aware of require a special rack to mount them in.

@audiorusty 

Pretty much all vocals. Used to be just female soprano vocals but it's no longer gender-specific. This is one reason I suspect my ears. 

I looked at de-essers on Sweetwater. Some are fully encased and mounted horizontally; others have only front plate and mounted vertically. 

Not interested in software. 

A de-esser is a frequency tuned compressor.  I would start would the EQ first. Try a parametric and gently scoop out the frequencies that offend.  That could be all you need.  Adding the compressor part can be tricky in that many popular compressors have a distinct sound.

Never heard of that as an ear issue. Same distortion in the car? Sure it's sibilance and not resonance?

@onhwy61 

Thanks for the clarification.

Can you recommend an EQ? 

I've read 5 - 8 KHz is correct range but others say 3 - 10 KHz.