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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

Showing 5 responses by wc65mustang

wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Improper alignment.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Most cartridge suspensions are fully broken in between 25 and 50 hours.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Moving magnets do not exaggerate sibilants.
Bad/good tracking is a function of tonearm/cartridge compatibility.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
I suggest you bone up on basics concerning the synergistic relationship between tonearms and cartridges.

Good luck
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
Setting up cartridges and understanding why they perform well (poorly) are unrelated. Cartridges are not " innately" good trackers as you seem to believe. Only when matched with a proper tonearm, will a cartridge perform optimally. Vice versa- great tonearm bad, improper cartridge match.

A great cartridge installed in the wrong tonearm will track poorly. Same outcome with great tonearm/bad cartridge match.

When you gain more experience, you'll understand better. I've been doing this for 50+ years and would be glad to help you.
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