Jonathon,
Thanks for the clarifications and interior details. Very helpful in understanding why it's so difficult to tame problems like the OP's sibilance distortions. The Olympos, Titan and Helikon don't have this problem (on any arm I've heard them on), so we know the problem is solvable. The OP's experiment with an inexpensive MM having a fine stylus proves that's part of a (complex) solution. The fact that it sounds a bit dull and slow in other respects merely demonstates one way an inexpensive MM is not an Olympos, Titan or Helikon!
A minor clarification or two (nothing you don't know, better than I):
2. It actually is an either/or choice between electrical or mechanical energy. The energy created by any given stylus deflection cannot be lost. It can only be converted to other forms of energy, or not. Phono cartridges aren't capable of converting that mechanical energy to (say) chemical or nuclear energy, so it's pretty much a zero-sum game between electrical and mechanical (and heat, which from a molecular perspective might still be considered mechanical energy).
You know all that, so if I misunderstood that sentence please feel free to slap me awake.
Thanks for the clarifications and interior details. Very helpful in understanding why it's so difficult to tame problems like the OP's sibilance distortions. The Olympos, Titan and Helikon don't have this problem (on any arm I've heard them on), so we know the problem is solvable. The OP's experiment with an inexpensive MM having a fine stylus proves that's part of a (complex) solution. The fact that it sounds a bit dull and slow in other respects merely demonstates one way an inexpensive MM is not an Olympos, Titan or Helikon!
A minor clarification or two (nothing you don't know, better than I):
Most cartridges are capable of converting the movements of the coils into electrical energy - it isn't an "either/or" choice between electrical or mechanical energy.1. All cartridges are capable of converting (some) movements of the coils into electrical energy - otherwise we wouldn't use them! ;-)
2. It actually is an either/or choice between electrical or mechanical energy. The energy created by any given stylus deflection cannot be lost. It can only be converted to other forms of energy, or not. Phono cartridges aren't capable of converting that mechanical energy to (say) chemical or nuclear energy, so it's pretty much a zero-sum game between electrical and mechanical (and heat, which from a molecular perspective might still be considered mechanical energy).
You know all that, so if I misunderstood that sentence please feel free to slap me awake.