Speaker break in?


Does anyone know what the break in process is all about? Myth or fact? What is being broken in? Is there an optimum break in time? Low volume or high volume? I would appreciate feedback. My Revels (M20s) did sound better after a period of time. Why? The M20s sounded so much better than my previous speakers; I'm not sure if they were getting better or I'm just hearing more. Anyone with first hand experience? Set me free Audiogoners...
thanks in advance,
128x128warrenh
Brand new speakers can change a little over time, but at least the measurable differences between a brand new and broken-in speaker have been found to be smaller than the typical variation between any two of the same model. At the same time, it's well known that people become accustomed to a certain sound as they listen to it, so it's quite likely that you're really just getting used to your new Revels. My advice, Warren, is to not sweat the details of breakin, and just enjoy your new speakers!
I have a hard time believing that the measurable differences between a brand new and broken-in speaker have been found to be smaller than the typical variation between any two of the same model. However, I'm not doubting that you know what you're talking about. In my thinking, even if this is true, I believe that the "perceived" difference between a new and broken-in speaker would be larger than the "perceived" difference between two broken in speakers.
Thanks for the feedback guys. Whether it be interconncects, cables, power cords, speakers and all the other stuff: obviously, there does not appear to be any scientific explanation as to why this breakin process seems to work. Whether it's a placebic effect or not; there seems to be a postive correlation to "breakin." (placebo effect, by the way, in the pharmaceutical/scientific field, is very real and valid/justified) To this day, scientists are not quite sure why aspirin, and other drugs exactly work. But, when I have a headache I take two and I would tell you to do the same. If breakin works for you, it might work for me, and vicer/versa.
happy listening you audiophools.
Some may say that break-in is a placebo effect but it is not. I am not one to believe every tweek that comes along is for real, especially high dollar cable hype. But I would not have kept my Totem Ones if they had sounded the same after break-in. I had other speakers to compare them to. The last amp I sold sounded so much better than my new amp that I would never had sold it if the new one had not changed so much. It may not have been so apparent if I had not had an other amp to compare it to, but it was quite obvious to me and my wife. And my wife can be painfully honest. My last four amps have all sounded different and if change was not for the better you can be asured she let me know!
"Supposedly" - notice the quotes - it is a placebo affect. There have been discussions on other forums about this and the debate is still going. I am not sure, myself.

I do notice, if I switch between my speakers (Royd Doublets to OLD Bose 6.2 (yech!!) and a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 4A's that the speaker each speaker is grating on the nerves, initially. Then over time you don't notice it anymore. Placebo affect.