Equipment Break-in: Fact or Fiction


Is it just me, or does anyone else believe that all of the manufacturers' and users' claims of break-in times is just an excuse to buy time for a new users' ears to "adjust" to the sound of the new piece. Not the sound of the piece actually changing. These claims of 300+ hours of break-in for something like a CD player or cable seem outrageous.

This also leaves grey area when demo-ing a new piece as to what it will eventually sound like. By the time the break-in period is over, your stuck with it.

I could see allowing electronics to warm up a few minutes when they have been off but I find these seemingly longer and longer required break-in claims ridiculous.
bundy
Spluta, you clearly take yourself very seriously - you mistake me for someone that was responding to your post - I was not.

I am at a loss to know which of my words were directed at you, because I cannot remember reading your post(s). Nothing you wrote in any of your posts was in my head when I wrote my post.

Frankly you flatter yourself when you say I called you a liar. I can assure you I called you nothing and did not give the idea a second's thought. All I can assume is that you found my post contradicted yours and then for some reason believed I meant to make a personal attack on you. What I did was try to describe my beliefs and why I believe them. Is that OK with you? If your reading of my post drew you to the conclusion I was belittling your opinion then I apologise for my clumsiness, but there was no intent.

Without going back and reading your earlier posts I expect it was my term 'measurement freaks' that did it? If it was not that then I am at a loss to understand what has offended you and you will have to explain. Perhaps I should go and read your posts and see if I can work it out. If it was the 'f' word, then I have to admit the word 'freak' is insulting so withdraw it. How about 'measurement zealot'? Perhaps still too negative. 'Measurement guys' just lacks a certain ring to it, if you know what I mean.

On the subject of measurements, as Bob says, the intention of most of us in this hobby is to enjoy listening with our ears. If measurement helps identify which equipment will be better or worse for that purpose, then it has value. I think that shelf life past several years ago, except to assist equipment designers. So far I am unconvinced of the connection between audible abberations and measurements, with most modern gear having a level of competence that goes well beyond the distinctions that measurement appears able to identify.

What I find annoying is the fact that 'measurement guys' repeatedly insist on spoiling the party here by interrupting the sharing of experiences and opinions, by entering with a "I'm an electrical engineer (pause for oohs and aahs), and my text books don't tell me about what you just said so it must be wrong." And no, Spluta, relax - this is not directed at you. I have no idea whether you ever said anything of the kind. It is directed generally at the several who take that position.
Now I'm really confused. I just skim-read Splutas posts and didn't find anything obvious that I even disagreed with let alone contradicted in my post. You are going to have to help me here Spluta.
Now you've ticked me off, Redkiwi. How can you say it's insulting to call someone a freak? I'm still a freak and proud of it.

I found your observation about those who believe speakers make the most difference also being people who disbelieve in the burn in phenomonenon interesting. Probably accurate. I certainly think speakers make the most difference, and I have never noticed any change over time in any electronic component. Tubes, phono cartridges, speakers, sure.

In reply to Bundy's original question above, I agree. I've always thought the retailer's advice that a customer has to give a new component a chance to burn in is the best evidence that electronic things sound different from each other. Otherwise, there would be no reason to have the customer get used to the new sound.

Nice to see you back Red.
Thanks Paul - I was definitely reaching with that 'freak' comment, I forgot there were so many of you good guy freaks out there, till I came back to Audiogon, even if you cannot hear the sound change with new components. I secretly envy you - I hate the burn in period.
REDKIWI,

This is what i missinterpreted(see paragraph below)

The alternative explanation is that some people have brains that immediately decode the distortions in a new system and others are handicapped in this ability and take 300 hours. Being biased I don't like the thought of being handicapped in the brain department, so you can guess which one I prefer.
- The 300 hours burn in is the most persuasive point for me. How come the burn in appears to occur whether we listen to it while it is burning in or not. The alternative explanation is... we are deluded by our prevailing belief in burn in, or I guess we are just lying to prove our point. I can imagine how you could make that assumption. But you can imagine why I don't.

/

As far as i know i am the only retarded idiot (on this thread) that claimed to have heard differences till 300hrs. And was lying to make his case.
I APOLOGIZE...I misread that 100%... I read that as coming
right at me.

I certainly dont mean to crash the party. I am here because i love music/equipment not TDR'S or scopes. I had no idea you guys are so biased against Engineers. Just remember we are the ones who design this overpriced gear. Your welcome.

Again I apologize.

I am gonna switch to de-caff tommorow...