System Sibilance - What's The Cause?

[Dimmy]

I've noticed an extremely large amount of sibilance when listening to CDs on my system in stereo. My setup comprises the following:

Denon AVR1803
Mission 775e
Pioneer DV565A

I'm not using the best interconnects between the DVD player & amp, and am using QED Original Biwire mkII between amp & speakers. My suspision is it's either the Amp or Interconnects.

Suggestions welcome

TIA

Dimmy

[alexs2]

I think like a lot of these things,it's a matter of system synergy or lack of it...if you combine a few items which are a bit forward in the HF range,sibilance is the result.

Changing the interconnects to something which tames that may help....the combination of things I have could get towards that(Krell,tag and B&W aren't noted for being soft in the treble)but using Kimber leads smooths things out very nicely...may well be worth your while trying.

I'm sure you know all about Russ Andrews home trial offers on Kimber....very helpful in deciding.
www.russandrews.com

[overkill]

I think Alex could be right about system synergy. The cheaper (relatively!) AV amps can err on the sharp side while Mission speakers have always been "forward" and tend to accenuate leading edges. Plus DVD players don't give (from experience) great quality on CD replay until things get expensive.

Having said that, there's no harm in trying the cables!! If it works it'll have saved a fortune!!

[alexs2]

overkill's point about the DVD player is a very good one...the Pioneer is a very good universal player for the price,but CD replay isn't it's strong point,and that may also have a bearing on your system's overall sound.

The simplest "upgrade",I still think,is to try changing the interconnects,using something you can return if it doesn't do what you require.
The only other option is to back off the treble using the tone controls on your receiver,although sound quality may go down as a result.

[Dimmy]

Okay, I've had a quick fiddle with interconnects, changed a few analogue ones around and tried using a Digital COAX with the amp's DACs. Still came across the same problems.

It's not an issue at lower volumes, but it becomes very grating at -10dB listening volumes, and at 00dB it's just unlistenable.

I'm almost convinced it's the amp, I didn't notice this when demoing the Pioneer before I bought it. It's not an issue with Movies as the 'Cinema-EQ' seems to smooth things out a lot.

I might get hold of a new AV Receiver or use a dedicated Stereo amp. Infact I might buy both and only keep the one which shows the most marked improvement.

Thanks for the words of advice guys.

[alexs2]

Ahhh...that begins to explain things.....the problem is worst when the Denon is being driven hard,and possibly nearing clipping,if not actually there.....a lot of amps take on a hard edge when driven near to clipping,and that may well explain your problem,as if you're running at -10dB,the peaks will be well above 0dB probably.

Try before you buy,and any idea of budget re amps/receivers?

[overkill]

Still, a bit strange that its only clipping in stereo? Does it get grainy / display sibliance when driving it hard with movies?

[Dimmy]

Originally posted by alexs2
Try before you buy,and any idea of budget re amps/receivers?

Sky's the limit really. I've been rather drawn to the Pioneer AX5i and its ability to biamp the front channels. But I'm also rather seduced by Rotel's Pre/Power combos, specifically the RSP-1066 and RMB-1095.

Although could spend more if the need arised... But would want to cap any spendature at around 6K, as the more I spend the longer I'll need to save. And I won't be buying anything, except perhaps a processor, second hand.

Originally posted by overkill
Still, a bit strange that its only clipping in stereo? Does it get grainy / display sibliance when driving it hard with movies?

Not really, no, it's quite easy to cruise along at 00dB in 5.1 and not hear too much distracting harshness to the sound. I'm guessing this is because the 'Warm' quality of my 77C1 compensates somewhat.

[Dimmy]

And have just expressed an interest in Smurfin's RMB1075 in the classifieds. So looks like I'm heading that way...