It is possible to argue that the properties of the dielectric change with increased use. I don't know whether this is audible. Given that audiophiles can hear the difference between different cables, it isn't inconceivable that break in could be audible. Audibility can manifest in a variety of ways.
People hear things in different ways. I always used to listen for frequency response effects when switching components -- cleaner highs, tighter bass, smoother mids, etc. My first experience hearing a cable change was a little startling. I had a high quality recording of a jazz trio that I knew well. With the music playing in my family room, I could imagine the trio in the family room when I was in the adjacent kitchen. But when I walked into the family room, I could tell they weren't there live. After I upgraded my speaker cables, I couldn't hear any frequency response differences, but this recording now provided a "same room live" illusion -- if I closed my eyes, I could imagine them in the room with me! I've been a believer in quality cables ever since.
Some discussion of cable break in from an engineering point of view is provided in Audioquest's cable theory treatise at www.audioquest.com. Check out Cable Theory page 5. Happy listening!
People hear things in different ways. I always used to listen for frequency response effects when switching components -- cleaner highs, tighter bass, smoother mids, etc. My first experience hearing a cable change was a little startling. I had a high quality recording of a jazz trio that I knew well. With the music playing in my family room, I could imagine the trio in the family room when I was in the adjacent kitchen. But when I walked into the family room, I could tell they weren't there live. After I upgraded my speaker cables, I couldn't hear any frequency response differences, but this recording now provided a "same room live" illusion -- if I closed my eyes, I could imagine them in the room with me! I've been a believer in quality cables ever since.
Some discussion of cable break in from an engineering point of view is provided in Audioquest's cable theory treatise at www.audioquest.com. Check out Cable Theory page 5. Happy listening!