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Cable Break In for the Naysayers

I still cannot believe that in this stage of Audio history there are still many who claim cable break in is imagined. They even go so far as claim it is our ears that break in to the new sound. Providing many studies in the way of scientific testing. Sigh...

I noticed such a recent discussion on the What’s Best Forum. So here is my response.

______________________________________________________________________________________________ I just experienced cable break in again firsthand. 10 Days ago, I bought a new set of the AudioQuest Thunderbird XLR 2M interconnects.

First impression, they sounded good, but then after about 30 hours of usage the music started sounding very closed in and with limited high frequencies. This continued until about 130 hours of music play time.

Then at this time, the cables started to open up and began to sound better and better each passing hour. I knew at the beginning they would come around because they sounded ok at first until the break in process started. But now they have way surpassed that original sound.

Now the soundstage has become huge with fantastic frequency extensions. Very pleased with the results. Scientifically I guess we can’t prove cable break in is real, but with good equipment, good ears, it is clearly a real event.

ozzy

ozzy
ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,783 posts
 

unreceivedogma Thanks for your comments. I originally thought about cables as you do now. How can wire be different? It’s just wire, right?

My first experience into the great wire unknown was when a dealer years ago lent me a Synergistic Research Master coupler power cord to try. I was convinced that no way can a power cord do anything. It’s just thick wire? And the cost? 

But I tried it, and I couldn’t believe the difference. More bass, soundstage etc.

That one event sent me down the rabbit hole I am now in. 

By that I mean, I have found so many differences in the way cables sound and perform. That is, power cables, interconnects, speaker cables etc. And each piece of equipment may react differently with different cables.

But if your system, and ears are not up to it, you might let this pass you by.

Enjoy what you have and what you prefer.

ozzy 

bolong
962 posts
 

WORD

decooney
2,564 posts
 

@ozzy But if your system, and ears are not up to it, you might let this pass you by.

Exactly.  Enjoy reading George’s history and mastery of cabling, and his associated explanations. For those who can’t hear a difference, buy cheap cables, save your $ and enjoy listening whatever you’ve got.  Non-believers will likely never hear a difference, and whatever the case - only those who explore more will actually know and/or hear the difference. Some systems are not up to the task though... 

Starts here: https://www.cardas.com/deep-dive

With that, here’s what’s going on during cable break-in:

There are many factors that make cable break-in necessary and many reasons why the results vary. If you measure a new cable with a voltmeter you will see a standing voltage because good dielectrics make poor conductors. They hold a charge much like a rubbed cat’s fur on a dry day. It takes a while for this charge to equalize in the cable. Better cables often take longer to break-in. The best "air dielectric" techniques, such as PFA tube construction, have large non-conductive surfaces to hold charge, much like the cat on a dry day. ... 

 

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,783 posts
 

So, I just purchased a used set of the AudioQuest Dragon bi-wire speaker cables. To help finance this purchase I just placed my AudioQuest Thunderbird speaker cables up for sale now on the Gon.

I know shameless plug, sorry, but the cables are really great. 

BTW, I also now have the AudioQuest Firebird XLR interconnects.

Getting back to the forum thread. 

This should get the Cable Naysayers nostrils flaring...

Has anyone experienced the need to break in used cables? I have. I guess it depends as to how long they have been used, usually it only takes a few days.

And I understand many people who have cable cookers often re-cook their cables periodically.

ozzy

 

knownothing
1,821 posts
 

Yes, I have sometimes had to break in used cables.  

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