Speaker Break In...? Or listener “Break In”?

That’s actually a very unconvincing argument. To whit,

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Notice from the graph below, that the 2 curves are ever so slightly offset. You could argue there is a difference, but it’s negligible, most certainly unnoticeable in the real world. However, if you measure the TS parameters before and after break-in, and you get different Fs / Qts numbers, you probably got a faulty driver. This is another reason why you should break-in a speaker. Starting out your project with a damaged speaker is a recipe for failure. Even if you don’t measure the parameters before break-in, making the speaker play at  high excursions for 12 hours will almost certainly reveal flaws in the suspension, or voice coil defects.”

".....you could argue there is a difference, but it’s negligible, most certainly unnoticeable in the real world." Yet, you’ll debate the directionality of fuses/wire, as being audible, which differences are infinitesimally small. Give me a break!

It is both. 

I also think that an explanation for the range of opinions on speakers in part is that everyone hears slightly differently. 

I’ve also noticed that my speakers can sometimes sound differently depending on the temperature and humidity. Has anyone else noticed this? Could it be that the magnet is picking up a charge from the moisture in the air? 

@unreceivedogma- Changes in temp and humidity, are also mentioned in some of the above studies, as affecting TS parameters. Then too; sound propagates somewhat differently, with those changes. The disparity of aural acuity, between individuals(not to mention training/experience/perception and maybe: simply denial), is why(I’m certain), some don’t/can’t/refuse to hear the changes made by fuses, cables and speaker break-in. I don’t believe EVERY system, goes through(or- can resolve) changes that ARE audible/obvious. Some, no doubt, simply want to enjoy their music and not be bothered with listening that intently. Some of us have engaged these issues professionally. So many variables!

This just in!

Taken from the XLO Test CD information regarding track 9, the system burn-in tack,

”Most loudspeakers require SUBSTANTIAL burn-in time (as much as 200 hours) before achieving full performance.”

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “But they’re selling a burn-in CD! Hel-loo!” 😬