DAC break-in...

but if break-in occurs while it is on, even if not playing a CD, that changes your whole time frame...

There was a definite period when I first acquired an Ayre Codex that it presented very closed in and two dimensional compared to the loaner that I had demoed in my own system.  I ran Roon radio into it for many hours (days) with and without my preamp powered on, occasionally listening.  The period of time involved until it settled was very consistant with what Ayre predicted. 

...the DAC's I am interested in is notorious for a lengthy break-in.

If you're speaking of a Schiit DAC, it is my understanding that many owners/users claim an extended break in period is required, while the manufacturer does not. The manufacturer does claim that leaving it on 24/7 is best.

I don't particularly believe in break-in, however, certain components such as capacitors do need a little time to "form" correctly and circuits can "heal", but these events happen (IMO) soon after they are initially electrically charged. Electronics that need to operate at a particular temperature is another story and separate (IMO) from "break-in".

All elecrtonic equipment requires break-in time.

All elecrtonic equipment requires break-in time.

But I’d have to imagine that **time** is the operative word, and that can vary from a moment to infinity.
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I'd like to add clarification to my previous post where I wrote "The manufacturer does claim that leaving it on 24/7 is best. ". In this context, "best" means optimal sound quality. Schiit does not reply (adequately) when asked if leaving on 24/7 is detrimental to the "health" and "longevity" of the components/unit.