Break In Question?


I have been under the assumption that in order for a component to break in there must be a signal pass through from one piece of equipment to another. That is, running a Dac/Preamp into an amp, the amp must be turned on for the Dac/Preamp to break in.

But is this really true? Does the amp really need to be turned on?

ozzy

ozzy

@ozzy 

streamers and DACs are the easiest components to break in. Just have it streaming 24/7. Nothing else needs to be on. 

From the Lumin owner’s manual:

Powering on

Running-in

LUMIN performs at its best after a running-in period (otherwise known as burn-in or break-in).

The duration can vary depending on the internal components, but under some conditions many users report that the sound continues to improve for a few weeks (200+ hours of playback).

Tips

  • Using the LUMIN app you can create a mixed Playlist of different formats. Using music with different sample rates will utilise more of the internal componentry.
  • You can put a mixed playlist on repeat and leave playing 24/7.
  • During this time, it is best to leave cables connected to your other equipment, but the volume can be off on amplifiers.
  • Even after the initial running-in period, leaving the system switched on can help provide a more consistent performance, especially just after starting.

 

But you know, you could always believe the flat-earthers on Audiogon who pretend to know more about electronics than the engineers who designed this equipment. 

Vintage Equipment that has not been played for a long time:

start with low voltage, using a Variac. Progressively increase the voltage

i.e say 20 volts for 5 minutes, 30 for five, ..... until you get to a bit below ____ (it’s voltage rating) i.e. Japanese (100v) I stop at 90 v on the dial; USA (115/120 V) I stop at 100v on the dial.*

It’s not rocket science, just advised caution.

*Thus it absolutely does not matter if the Variac, new or old, is a bit off, say 5%, just start low, and finish below rated voltage.