I have a sibilance problem! It's most pronounced on female vocals, and is driving me nuts. Hoping somebody can point me in the right direction. Here's my setup:

Source: iPhone 4S playing Spotify HQ, MOG, and local files through a Pure i20 via SPDIF, OR USB from a laptop into my DAC, also MOG and Spotify HQ and local files (problem pronounced equally in those two sources)

Cable to DAC: Monster USB or Burson SPDIF coax (depending on source above)

DAC and Amp: Burson HA160DS

Power: Stock Burson cable right into the wall (have tried several outlets, same sibilance)

Headphone cable: Stock Audeze unbalanced

Headphones: Audeze LCD2 Rev 3

What can I try? Willing to buy and sell equipment to figure it out!

You gave us everything but the tracks you hear it on.  It could be that the vocals are sibilant in the track and your gear is fine.

What are your volume levels from source to amp?  Can you turn down the amp volume, but turn up the source volume?
 
Also make sure you do not have any EQ settings on.
 
Try less compression on the files.

na blur said:

You gave us everything but the tracks you hear it on.  It could be that the vocals are sibilant in the track and your gear is fine.

Click to expand...

Agreed.

And it's partially a psychological effect. I am not saying you aren't hearing it, but you have to train yourself not to listen for it or it WILL drive you nuts.