Old vinyl records problem voicing "s"

Is it sibilance or distortion? You could try a parametric EQ in the 5k-8k range. if its just sibilance. The ideal solution would be a de-esser plug in, but that requires digitising the vinyl first which is possibly not a direction you want to go in.
 
As Richie says capacitance loading isn't just a standard value ,although when amplifiers are designed some sort of value must be applied .


This is an average value so if you have a problem with sibilance then adjust the loading to suite the cartridge.


Yes there could be other problems but you say its only "old time " recordings so you must be happy with more modern recordings .


In my world of amplifier design its a big NO when it comes to "playing with the RIAA" --get it as flat as possible and then look elsewhere ,this is backed up by audio design engineers one after the other in EW .


Equalization has been worked on by some where inputs ( RIAA ) have several capacitance variations to give a range of choice in the past.


First is it MM or MC ?


Many MM cartridges have their own tonal qualities requiring adjustment at the input .



There is also the big argument that has never gone away in preamps -


I exclusively build JLH Shunt feedback RIAA stages which I find (personal opinion ) "sound better" ---yes I know another "big war " between D.Self & JLH with pages of EW taken up in big arguments and illustrations/theory etc.


John Linsley Hood K1500 Shunt Feedback MM and MC RIAA Pickup Preamp
 
My phono cable measured with RCAs 387pF so no added more capacitance in parallel to the resistor load 47K.

Really I done some calculations and the optimal load will be 35K9 ohms for the cart inductance of 500mH but did some listening sessions with 30K up to 70K and no differences with the SQ.