2. cables
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Cable burn in

Hi all. I’m guessing that what I’m experiencing is pretty normal. But it can’t hurt to get some feedback. I purchased a DMS-650 from Cary Audio which is a DAC/Streamer. Since hifi folks have highly opinionated views on cables, nothing is included with the unit. So when I set it up, I had to scramble and I found the three conductor cable that came with a cheap Sony DVD player. Then I replaced that RCA interconnect with a much better quality Blue Jeans cable. Initially the increase in quality was apparent and obviously worth it. However the sound could be hasrsh on certain recordings. Various tracks had a harshness that wasn’t there before. I’ve been playing internet radio during the day for burn in. Now that harshness has vanished. Sitting down to listen last night, things were actually too warm. Some tracks sounded almost muddy. The sparkle was diminished in an obvious way. I am guessing that once burn is complete the sound will settle happily in the middle somewhere. Is that a reasonable assumption?  I’m also likely going to order power cables and an interconnect from Audio Envy or maybe some other companies to compare. The guy who sold me the Cary Audio gear is not a salesy guy, but he did pretty emphatically recommend some higher quality cables. 

chiadrum
carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Sorry, my mind rad Cary as the amp.  

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,507 posts
 

Only mechanical things need a bit of run-in - speakers and phono cartridges.

Electronic gear also needs to burn in before it stabilizes. Amps, Preamps, tubes, CD players, anything that builds heat. 

soix
9,456 posts
 

Some tracks sounded almost muddy. The sparkle was diminished in an obvious way. I am guessing that once burn is complete the sound will settle happily in the middle somewhere. Is that a reasonable assumption?

That has not been my experience with cable burn-in.  Once they go in a certain direction they do not tend to go back from where they came.  Just my experience FWIW, but you seem to have good ears so just trust them because, in the end, that’s all that matters.  DH Labs would be a good cable to try if the Blue Jeans don’t settle in to your tastes as they tend to sound neutral with good detail and without breaking the bank.  Best of luck. 

ghdprentice
6,969 posts
 

@soix 

+1

There is no definitive answer to what would be best in your system… it is dependent on your whole system, venue, and your values. I can attest to the fact that cables, interconnects and power cords can make a very substantial difference. 
 

I also cannot be sure what different brands will sound like in your system, but I will say Blue Jeans are at the very budget end, I tried a couple pair just for fun and they compared well with what comes free with low fi electronics and I have used DHLabs as my default interconnect to start with. DHLabs has always performed well for the price and is appropriate in price for your system. 
 

A very general rule of thumb is about 10% or so on interconnects. Widely different % work for different people. But just for your interest. 
 

A well constructed power cord designed for both shielding and high current is likely to improve the sound of your DSM… I would look carefully at AudioQuest. 

buellrider97
388 posts
 

  I’ve experienced cable burn/ break in time varies depending on the particular cable. The Morrow IC’s I have took 400 hrs, which is significantly longer than most. And as much as I respect others opinions , I’ve had significant changes in SQ by swapping cables, most effective being IC’s. Saying it doesn’t make a difference is like saying “ tube rolling doesn’t change anything “. I have changed cables and power conditioning methods and had zero improvement, but I’ve also had improvement too. So for me , I try it and see what happens, and I encourage others to experiment. And I also understand the concept of diminishing returns. Eeyore won’t even try , an audiophile will take the risk, Now go raid the honey jar . Enjoy the journey, Mike B. 

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