Arsonists - Please help me with cable burning


As an admitted novice who is getting in to higher-end audio, I respectfully seek learned responses to some very basic cable burning questions. Realizing that many of you have been all through this before, I promise that if you teach me, I will step in and do the same in the future for others so that you will not be similarly bothered! :-)

Based on the limited amount I have READ, I am in the camp that subscribes to the notion that cable burning DOES make a difference. PLEASE do not turn this thread into a debate of this issue. I WANT to try this and if I ultimately waste time and electricity - it is MY time and MY money. That being said, I have a lot more time than money, so buying a cable cooker is just not an option. So, unless there is a CHEAP way to speed up the process, I am willing to invest the time it takes otherwise. Also, I know my cables aren't "end-all" quality, but after they settle in I can later decide if I need a change or upgrade.

OK, then, I have two new Zu Oxyfuel interconnects (one between my CD player and preamp and one between my preamp and amp) and a pair of new 8' Cardas Cross speaker cables. In my zeal to burn these in and get to listening, please help me with these questions:

1.) For the interconnects, are there better options than simply running the cables between the CD/pre and pre/amp, putting in a CD on repeat mode and just letting it run throughout the day?

2.) Does it make sense to use my separate A/V receiver and run the two cables between, say, tape1 "out" and tape1 "in" and tape2 "out" and tape2 "in", as dummy loads? If so, does the receiver need to be in tape1 or tape2 mode for this to work for both cables at once?

3.) For the speaker cables, if a signal is being sent from the amp to the speakers, does the volume need to be at any certain level, or any level at all, for the burn in to work?

4.) In the case of any cable, does it matter what kind of music is "sent through" or is, for instance, white noise between FM stations the same in terms of HOW the cable burns in sonically? Someone told me that one should send something heavy in bass as a signal but it seems to me like this should make no difference.

5.) Finally (I know, thank God it is FINALLY), is there a cheap method (sans a cooker) for speeding up the process that can be accomplished with somewhat limited (obviously) electronic knowledge? I can follow mechanical direction, I just probably won't know WHY what I am doing is effective! :-)
Thanks to all who respond.
motdathird

Showing 2 responses by motdathird

Rcrump - might I suggest a very crisp fume blanc as a basis for that etouffe?

Gee, the cable manufacturer suggested 100-150 hour breakin time using "normal" methods. Sounds like I won't really be able to really tell how things have "settled" much before the summer solstice! :-)
Sanctuary - I am much obliged with respect to your generous offer. You are right, though, it would be best "time-wise" for me to do my own cooking! :-)

I assume from your response that my notion of running the CD/pre and pre/amp cables continuously is best and that some sound ("whisper lever") should emit from the speakers to burn in the speaker cables.(?) I am patient enough to wait for this to work if I am on the right track in doing so.