2. cables
  3. 129089-9175

Best interconnect burn-in method

I think I know the answer to this, but I just wanted to double check with everyone.  I am in the process of burning in an XLR interconnect.  The interconnect is between the DAC and the integrated amp.  I am using a laptop as the source, and it is connecting via USB cable to the DAC.  Is it true that I am still burning in the XLR IC if I leave the integrated amp turned off while playing music continuously on my laptop with the DAC turned on?  Thank you for your input.

respected_ent
jaybe
817 posts
 
yes
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
Fortunately, there is no logical reason for burn-in with cables. So your approach will be equally effective as any other. If you experience audible differences over time (drift in performance) then it would be best to have your active gear (amp, preamp, power source, grounding etc.) checked and repaired/replaced. Generally a change over time means something is wrong (temperature issues, incompatibility between components, leaks to ground, capacitors beginning to fail etc)
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@shadorne ,
I’m not here to debate the concept of cable burn-in, god knows it’s been done before. But what the manufacturers do state is that newly installed cables need a settling in period. For example, cables that have been coiled and packed in a box for some time, need to be installed, let the dielectric reach room temp, and run a signal through them.

More to discover