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Burning in a new setup

Hi folks,

I really appreciate all the help, information and suggestions I receive here . 

New gear is still coming in and I want to do this right when setup day arrives.

When new monoblocks, preamplifier, DAC, CD transport and my pre-owned tuner are first setup, how should I go about the burn in time? The interconnects will all be new too. New speaker cables will arrive burned in already.  I did order the XLO Test & Burn-In CD - HDCD too. Do I need to have volume audible during equipment burn in? Anything else I need to know? 

All comments are appreciated, thank you.

toddsyr
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,994 posts
 

I have definitely noticed break in -- in my hearing, expectations, and accommodation to the equipment. 

 -- Why is the above claim so infrequently argued for? Why is it always about whether the gear is breaking in?

howardlee's avatar
howardlee
167 posts
 

Burning in things that have a mechanical interface is a no brainer, i.e. speakers, headphones, cartridges, etc.  My experience is that also goes, albeit to a lesser degree, with electronics.  There are a lot of folks with more experience than myself who second that.  Think capacitors, etc. Whatever...how can it hurt?  If nothing else, that's the new equipment fails, early on.  Best to find out now....

westcoastaudiophile
819 posts
 

AI: 

Understanding Burn-in and Break-in

Definitions

Term Description
Burn-in A testing process for electronic components where they are subjected to stress to identify early failures. This helps ensure reliability before the components are used in final products.
Break-in A gradual improvement in the sound quality of audio equipment as it is used over time. This process is often subjective and can vary based on listener acclimatization.

Key Differences

  • Purpose:
    • Burn-in aims to detect early failures in electronic components.
    • Break-in focuses on enhancing audio performance through usage.

  • Process:

    • Burn-in involves testing components under elevated conditions (temperature, voltage) to simulate stress.
    • Break-in occurs naturally as mechanical parts settle and electronic components stabilize with use.

Duration and Impact

Process Typical Duration Impact on Performance
Burn-in Varies (often hours) Reduces early failure rates, ensuring reliability.
Break-in Several hours to weeks Improves sound quality, often perceived by the listener.

Conclusion

Both burn-in and break-in are important concepts in electronics and audio equipment, respectively. While burn-in is a technical process aimed at ensuring component reliability, break-in is more about the listener’s experience and the gradual enhancement of sound quality. Understanding these differences can help users manage expectations when using new electronic devices or audio equipment.

westcoastaudiophile
819 posts
 

@hilde45 +1 "I have definitely noticed break in -- in my hearing, expectations, and accommodation to the equipment. “ - I would add bank account break-in by sales/marketing/professional-influencers.. 

oberoniaomnia
344 posts
 

@katzenjammer27 I think you missed the point in my post. The break-in is between the ears, i.e., in the brain (if any) so the brain gets adjusted to whatever might be different (if anything). The electronics/metal does not change, but how the sound is perceived by brain auditory processing is changing. That is referred to as "habituation".

Try going back and forth between whatever it is, and see whether the change is really there. Even better, have someone else change it for you without telling you what was done, then see whether you can correctly, repeatedly ID the equipment in the chain. With cables, I very much doubt it, barring some mechanical problems.

Good luck, have fun, and enjoy your system!

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