Corda Analoguer vs. Digital Antidote II vs. EQ

[Carlos3]

I find that I need to take some action to tame that pernicious enemy: vocal sibilance. It doesn't show up in all the pop/rock recordings I have, but when it shows up it hurts!

Any views on the relative merits of the Corda Analoguer (my upper spending limit) vs. the passive Digital Antidote II vs. (shudder) EQ for taming vocal sibilance?

I can live with some sibilance since the flaw no doubt originates with the recordings, but the knife-edge harshness has to go. Yet I need to implement this in a way that doesn't harm the beauty of the better recordings, or the gorgeous reproduction of intrumental music that my admittedly entry level system produces.

 

[Gallaine]

I actually have the Corda Analoguer. It is a left-over from the days when I had an all solid state speaker based system. Honestly, I haven't tried it in my headphone rig. And once I went to a tubed pre in my prior system I didn't use the Analoguer anymore.

From what I remember it took off a layer of digital glare. It was especially noticeable in Emmy Lou Harris' Red Dirt Girl album. The first track had an unbearable edge but the Analoguer made it more listenable. What it did not do was remove vocal sibilance entirely - though it did help.

I just looked up my old review. You can find it here: http://headwize2.powerpill.org/ubb/s...rda;analoquer;

Reading it makes me want to try it my headphone rig and see what happens

.

 

[Carlos3]

Thanks for the link to your review.

I am beginning to wonder, what is the difference between the Analoguer's high frequency attenuation versus a standard treble tone control?

 

[dougli]

I have used the Analoguer and a couple of EQ's, in several different configurations, over the last few months. I would not call the Analoguer a sibilance-tamer, although it can have an effect on some. An EQ does a much better job. The Analoguer's roll is to reduce harshness and flesh out bass. A standard treble control is much less precise than what the Analoguer does. Although they work differently, the tone control is more of a sledgehammer, while the Analoguer is more of a scalpel. I much prefer the sound of all recordings when run through the Analoguer. But currently I am in between EQ's, so I don't have one to use at all, and so just have to live with any sibilance for now.

 

[Gallaine]

Quote:

Originally posted by dougli I have used the Analoguer and a couple of EQ's, in several different configurations, over the last few months.

Can you elaborate on the configurations and the results? Like Carlos3 vocal sibilance is anethma to me and my system still has it on certain recordings. There was a thread on EQs and alot of posters seem to use the Behringer 8024. I would interested in hearing your experience with using an EQ with and without the Analoquer.

 

[dougli]

Here are some of the setups, with my comments, focusing on the effects on sibilance and harshness.

1. NS500V -> Analoguer -> Behringer GEQ3102 EQ ->
Corda Blue -> HD600 or DT931
This is a rather bright CDP. Once I adjusted the EQ to remove sibilance, the effect of the Analoguer was no longer detectable. But I could not pull out the objectionable brightness without adjusting the EQ to the point that also took care of any sibilance.
It didn't matter if I put the Analoguer before or after the EQ; I still adjusted the EQ the same way. The Analoguer alone didn't give me the desired results.

2. Same components, but substituting a Behringer DSP8024 for the 3102
Basically the same results. At this point I took out the Analoguer, and put it into use with my regular home audio setup. The DSP8024 sufficed to control sibilance and harshness, but at the expense of the highest detectable frequencies of course.

3. C541i -> DSP8024 -> Corda Blue -> AT A1000
This led to a big improvement in sound quality. At this point, though, I was able to detect that the EQ and/or its cables were degrading the sound. So I removed the EQ and replaced it with the Analoguer. This is an enjoyable setup, and although I live with sibilance, it is reduced from earlier levels. The C541i/Analoguer combo helps reduce the harshness, and the A1000's do a good job with presenting the high frequencies smoothly. I'm still planning to try a Rane THX 22 EQ in a few weeks (after my visit to an ENT doctor), because I've read that it's a cleaner unit than the two Behringers.

Hope this helps.

 

[Gallaine]

Thanks dougli for the post. It seems like I should try an EQ for the sibilance problem. I guess I hesitate adding more to the signal path - but I suppose maybe that is the price I will have to pay.

I'll need to get another set of HGA Silver Lace to put the Analoquer in my headphone system. So, it will be awhile before I try it out in my rig. But I guess I'll have to buy another pair anyway to try the EQ. Boy, this hobby is expensive

 

[Carlos3]

You have my thanks as well. Sounds like I might want to try the Analoguer first, to see if it removes enough of the unnatural edge of harshness which is bothering me.

 

[Gallaine]

Carlos3,

Have you had a chance to try the Analoguer yet? I'd be interested in hearing your comments.

Lately, I've been considering getting another pair of HGA Silver Lace interconnects and trying the Analoguer in my system - I had forgotten that it also provides a little bass boost and from all accounts the Senn. seem a little rolled off in the lower regions. An EQ might be better for this but since I'm considering getting a switch box so that I can use multiple sources I'll need the extra set of interconnects anyway.

 

[Carlos3]

Not yet. Some medical bills have eaten up my spare cash.