jinp6301 thanks for the thought.
Fitz, I tried 2 other sources and three other amps. I would have plugged them to a 220 volt outlet if it would have helped. I sure hope is something simple ... I have had them since 11/7 and man I love this suckers.
At least I received the HE5 and the EF5 today. Straight out of the box it is a very nice sounding can/amp, much better than I expected. I know I don't hear the upper frequencies as well as you youngsters but even so I hear no sibilance and the BASS is awesome!