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HiDiamond Diamond 3 XLR IC's - Burn-In Time?

I recently switched to a VTL 7.5 iii preamp (a mighty unit!). It has RCA and XLR I/O's, but the mfr. recommends XLR cables over the RCA. As a result, I recently bought a pair of the HD D3 XLR IC's to run from pre out to amp in. (My Krell 300 cx amp has ONLY XLR inputs; I had been using adaptors with my JPS Aluminata RCA's. Sounded fab.)

The HD's are beautifully constructed, highly detailed, lively cables -- a bit TOO lively so far - more than I am accustomed to or like. I want to give them a chance because the sound is so good in so many other ways. They have about 40 hrs on them so far.

Any experience on the expected burn-in time before they approach their mature sound? Switching pre's and cables is very traumatic!

Thx. Neal
nglazer

Showing 3 responses by nglazer

nglazer OP
842 posts
 
Mikey,

Too early to tell. I will answer you when they are burnt in. I will tell you that I use Nordost Valhalla SC's with my Krell 300cx and I do not find them too lively; quite the opposite, I think they are highly simpatico. Have had them for several years and forgot about them, which is a high compliment. I think the rep of the Krell FPB series as lively is ill-founded.

Best, Neal
nglazer OP
842 posts
 
The dealer said minimum 100 hrs burn-in. I probably have 50-60. They are remarkably detailed and natural sounding, great soundstage, but still a bit tilted to highs and I feel like the bass has not yet fully developed. But I certainly do not find them so deficient I think about removing them. I actually am liking them so far. More to follow.

In a few weeks I will switch back to my unbalanced JPS Aluminata with RCA-XLR adaptors and do a comparo, even though the thought of getting back down there amid the jungle of wires is extremely daunting. In fact, it is nauseating. The things we do . . . .

Neal
nglazer OP
842 posts
 
Hi Lak,

Nice to hear from you. Right now, while they have "ripened," the HD's still lean somewhat to the bright side. This may be their character, or simply how they interact with my system, or it may be part of burn-in. It is not a bothersome or irritating brightness, and it has abated over time. The detail and soundstaging are terrific.

I am going to do an A-B comparo with the Aluminata in a few weeks, even though the thought of crawling behind my amp and swapping out cable (and for the JPS, RCA to XLR adaptors, makes me nauseous. But this is what obsession is all about.

Neal
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