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I need help diagnosing a sibilant problem on vinyl

Rega Planar 2 turntable. Rega Elys 2 cartridge. Audible Illusions Modulus tube pre-amp. Audio Research D-51 tube amp. Rogers LS-2a speakers. Oppo BDP-95 disc player.
My discs, especially the SACD's sound fantastic. Vinyl instrumental's sound good. Anytime there's an "S" in the vocals on vinyl there's a harsh sibilance that doesn't make sense. It would only make sense if there was a cartridge/stylus problem or a phono stage problem in my pre-amp.
Before I take it to my very expensive, very slow HI-FI tech, does anyone out there have an idea of what it could be?
sprintz699
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,531 posts
 
Nine times out of ten lowering the rear of the cartridge (SRA) will cure that problem.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Doug, There's not too many adjustements you can make with Rega arm. Proper alignement, VTA and nothing more to adjust there.
Regas aren't the most adjustable arms, but in addition to alignment one can certainly tweak VTF and anti-bias. IME, these are the three tonearm adjustments most likely to affect (distort) the reproduction of sibilants.

My prime suspect is the cartridge, but before dropping money on an upgrade it would be prudent to eliminate user adjustments.

One more possible cause: a dirty stylus. Is the stylus cleaned after each side (preferably with the Magic Eraser method?)
czarivey
5,772 posts
 
there's not too much room on p2 to lower the SRA. one can use washers between headshell and cartridge to make it taller.
sprintz699 OP
6 posts
 
I do not, but sounds like I need one. Thanks.
sprintz699 OP
6 posts
 
Sounds like I need to check the tracking force to start. The records are brand new. I hope it's not the Elys. Thanks for your help.
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