DAC break-in...

...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.

when u ready to upgrade or change, it's the best thing to know about the break-in.

Regardless of expert opinion to the contrary, I consider "break in", "burn in", and "settling in" effects to be real based on experience with various pieces of electronic gear (as well as cable). Having said that, it doesn’t mean those pieces were unlistenable out of the box...more that the sound improved over time. I wouldn’t sweat the whole break in thing if I were you. Get what you like and use it. Worst case, if the experts are right, it will sound no different over time. On the other hand, you might find the sound gets better with time. Good luck with your purchase.