Break in for new DAC

@nubiann  Electronics conversely benefit having some continuous power. Components like transistors, op-amps, and voltage regulators perform best at a stable operating temperature.

Just  comment on this idea.  I run Hegel mono blocks and have wondered about the concept of "always on".  Hegel amps do not have a Standby mode.  When questioned directly on this issue, Hegel responded "when not in use, turn the amps off.  Keeping the amps continuously powered does nothing but shorten the lifespan of the product.  The amps warm up in a matter of minutes"   I know there are two opinions on this subject, but I'm going to listen to the manufacturer.  Cheers. 

Somewhat tangential but ... some years ago I purchased a used Aesthetix Romulus Tube CD player that had been broken in, but not plugged in the previous 9 months...I called Aesthetix and they said simply having it on stand-by for a month would bring it back to full performance level...but certainly encouraged me to use and enjoy it ...

I have Denafrips DACS and in my experience, they seem to sound better till around 300 hours, around 20 days of daily use. THEN it became constant. 

Note: I don't turn it off at all

daveteauk, I used predictive design approach of aging impact in my circuits, here is some info to read about it:

https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20110014343/downloads/20110014343.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transistor_aging

Overview of Aging Effects on MOSFET Devices

1. MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) experience aging, which leads to performance degradation and eventual failure. This aging process is influenced by several factors.

Main Causes of Aging

1. Electromigration
2. Definition: Movement of ions due to electron flow.
3. Impact: Causes material degradation, leading to intermittent glitches and failures.
4. Charge Trapping
5. Definition: Trapping of charge carriers in the dielectric material.
6. Impact: Affects the electrical characteristics of the MOSFET, reducing its efficiency.

Consequences of Aging

1. Performance Degradation: As MOSFETs age, their ability to switch and conduct diminishes.
2. Reliability Issues: Increased likelihood of failure in critical applications, such as aerospace and electronics.
3. Underclocking: Manufacturers often run chips at lower speeds to mitigate aging effects and enhance reliability.

Predictive Approaches

1. Data-Driven Methodologies: Techniques are being developed to predict the remaining useful life of aging MOSFETs.
2. Thermal Stress Testing: Controlled experiments help understand how thermal conditions accelerate aging.

Understanding these aging effects is crucial for improving the design and reliability of MOSFET devices in various applications.