What is the cause of my sibilance problem?


I have been fighting a sibilance problem for about a year. I thought I had it beat but it is back. I've tried cleaning and treating all connections, acoustic foam treatment at first reflection points on side and front walls and ceiling, different interconnects, speaker position, and even a different digital front-end. The problem manifests itself as extremely harsh 's' sounds in both male and female voice. I am beginning to wonder if I need to have my hearing checked - I tried headphones and hear the same problem. Well, here is my system:

Aiwa XC-37M CD-changer
MSB Link DAC III with 24/96 upsampling board
B&K Ref. 10 preamp
B&K AV6000 poweramp
Paradigm Reference Studio 60 Loudspeakers
Hsu Research VTF-2 powered subwoofer
Signet center channel
Atlantic Technology surrounds
Sennheiser HD580 Headphones
Home Grown Audio Super Silver interconnects
Monster Cable subwoofer cable
Ted's Excellent Cable speaker wire (mains)
Kimber 4TC speaker wire (surrounds)
Mapleshade Brass cones, weights, and cork/rubber feet
Michael Green 5-shelf Audio Rack.

A Television, the subwoofer, and the Audio Rack sit between the louspeakers; which are approximately 7' apart and 7' from the listening position. My room is highly irregular and ASC claims that $1200 in acoustic treatment is the answer to my problem. I'm not saying they are wrong. But, having experienced the same problem with headphones (and acoustic foam not alleviating the problem one iota) I am beginning to wonder...
gallaine

Showing 1 response by bob_bundus

I once had sibilance issues that turned out to be AC power related. The PSAudio should have helped, but maybe you need to try something else? The right combination of AC cords should also help, & a dedicated AC line if possible.
Room treatments normally are worthwhile too, but considering that you even have sibilance in headphones, this points toward the front end, those interconnects, or the preamp itself. Brass cones could also be complicating things; they can add brightness & may not be best for your rig. Try removing them altogether, or repositioning them closer together 1" at a time to add some warmth. Black Diamond cones may be better for you than brass, they are for me. Try the #3's first before the #4's, considering the sibilance. Try to borrow another preamp & be sure it's warmed up?
That brings up another issue, are you leaving at least your front end components on all the time for best sound? Cold transistors sound can be pretty harsh.