My ears, the most sensitive measuring device I have used, tell me that break in matters for all my equipment, including my recently purchased Transparent interconnects and speaker cables. Funny how the demo cabling sounded warmer than the brand new cabling, and how it is becoming warmer and more neutral
Component Break In. Truth or Fantasy
I just recently got a second pair of planar headphones and the manual suggests a break in period of 150 hours. I find the topic of component break interesting in that, like so many things today, opinions are polarized with some audiophiles claiming break in having significant effects while other maintaining it is all BS and it's just you getting used to the new sound of your component.
My experiences has been that break in has a significant effect on components that convert one form of energy into another, and that have a mechanical aspect to them.
It makes sense that new speakers, as a result of excursions when being played, will loosen up and that will affect the sound. Same goes for phono cartridge suspensions. It's not unlike our own bodies where stiffness reduces and movement range extends when we work out, move, or stretch.
However, I have not found significant break in effects with all electronic components like DACs and Solid State Amps. And as for cables, not at all.
What has been your experience?
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- 43 posts total
- 43 posts total