How to "break-in" new speakers??


A number of posts regarding the so-called "break-in-time" (or is it "burn-in-time) for new speakers have muddied the waters for me. If I recall correctly, some posts recommend that new speaker "break-in" could run anywhere from several hours to 175 hours, or more (good grief!), depending on the speaker manufacturer and model/type in question. In my case they would be the Rega RS-1 bookshelves. On other posts I have read that burning-in is a red-herring and should be ignored. I have also read that a proper burn-in should be done at a high volume, but not so high as to damage the speakers (an unnecessary caution), while simultaneously running the speakers non-stop for the necessary burn-in period. I find myself especially resistant to the last half of these recommendations, if only because I would like to think it possible to get a good nights sleep while simultaneously doing right by my speakers. I can only hope that however many responses I receive will not further muddy the already dark waters.
georgester
For the record, I am not advocating paint peeling SPL for break in, only a moderately (above average listening) level.

I'm just saying....
Patience is a virtue..it is extremely important and critical to burn in a good quality speaker for 100 hours at low volume for the following reason. A woofer and midrange driver have a moving piston that moves frontwards and backwards constantly, which is visible to the eye observing the acoustic suspension surround ring moving in and out. The drive piston is stiff in a new speaker and needs time to loosen up. If you play the speaker at high volume right out of the box, you stand the risk of damaging the piston alignment permanently resulting in a uneven, slightly crooked piston motion that will effect the sound quality of the woofer and mid-range driver.
Low volume is not necessary.

Moderate SPL is fine and this is what manufacturers recommend. Once again elevated SPL, so long as you are not peeling paint, is quite safe.

Ignore the amateurs.
'Ignore the amateurs.'

I thought we were all amateurs. Are you a Professional Audiophile?
I did install new Lowther drivers (DX4) and just played them at normal levels with my regular musical picks. I know someone whom breaks in speakers from new with 400-500 hrs of straight Clapton! That works just as well.