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HiDiamond Diamond 3 XLR IC's - Burn-In Time?

I recently switched to a VTL 7.5 iii preamp (a mighty unit!). It has RCA and XLR I/O's, but the mfr. recommends XLR cables over the RCA. As a result, I recently bought a pair of the HD D3 XLR IC's to run from pre out to amp in. (My Krell 300 cx amp has ONLY XLR inputs; I had been using adaptors with my JPS Aluminata RCA's. Sounded fab.)

The HD's are beautifully constructed, highly detailed, lively cables -- a bit TOO lively so far - more than I am accustomed to or like. I want to give them a chance because the sound is so good in so many other ways. They have about 40 hrs on them so far.

Any experience on the expected burn-in time before they approach their mature sound? Switching pre's and cables is very traumatic!

Thx. Neal
nglazer
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
I switched to the the HD 3 XLR's in the past year to run 4m from pre to power amp, and 1m from DAC to pre and I find them to be wonderfully detailed and also harmonically full-bodied. But I bought used, so the were likely well broken in before I started using them. I'd say be patient, because I suspect they will be worth the wait.
nglazer OP
846 posts
 
Mikey,

Too early to tell. I will answer you when they are burnt in. I will tell you that I use Nordost Valhalla SC's with my Krell 300cx and I do not find them too lively; quite the opposite, I think they are highly simpatico. Have had them for several years and forgot about them, which is a high compliment. I think the rep of the Krell FPB series as lively is ill-founded.

Best, Neal
joecasey
484 posts
 
12-28-14: Zd542
It takes as long as it takes.
GENIUS!!!
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"12-30-14: Joecasey

12-28-14: Zd542
It takes as long as it takes.

GENIUS!!!"

I don't know if its genius or not, but its true. There's multiple factors involved so times can vary.

"12-28-14: Scvan
I have a general question. If cables need to be burnt in, why do the cable manufacturers do that or do the electrons revert back to a "bad" way over a period of time? And if so, what is the best way to keep the speakers "Burnt-in"? If I go on a long vacation do they go bad, and I have to start over?"

Speakers break in just 1 time, and stay that way. With cables, the dielectric becomes charged/polarised and the effect wears off if you don't use the cables for long periods. Have a look at Audioquest's web site. They explain it much better than I do.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,466 posts
 
Well I have had my HiDiamond D8 speaker cables on my Audiodharma Cable Cooker for 8 days. Twice the recommended time.
Just off the cooker... very nice indeed. Very deep soundstage and at this early point the frequency extremes are very extended. The character is of a very nice whole sound. Not sure what you meant by "lively" but Neil these are very smooth and enjoyable. Give yours more time.

Within the next week once the cables have settled in with actual music playing through them they should reach there full potential.

But, already a definite keeper!
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