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Cable Break In for the Naysayers

I still cannot believe that in this stage of Audio history there are still many who claim cable break in is imagined. They even go so far as claim it is our ears that break in to the new sound. Providing many studies in the way of scientific testing. Sigh...

I noticed such a recent discussion on the What’s Best Forum. So here is my response.

______________________________________________________________________________________________ I just experienced cable break in again firsthand. 10 Days ago, I bought a new set of the AudioQuest Thunderbird XLR 2M interconnects.

First impression, they sounded good, but then after about 30 hours of usage the music started sounding very closed in and with limited high frequencies. This continued until about 130 hours of music play time.

Then at this time, the cables started to open up and began to sound better and better each passing hour. I knew at the beginning they would come around because they sounded ok at first until the break in process started. But now they have way surpassed that original sound.

Now the soundstage has become huge with fantastic frequency extensions. Very pleased with the results. Scientifically I guess we can’t prove cable break in is real, but with good equipment, good ears, it is clearly a real event.

ozzy

128x128ozzy
rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 

I have found that some cables break in quickly while others need extended time.

bwguy's avatar
bwguy
216 posts
 

Ozzy, I gad the same experience when I upgraded XLR cables from Earth to the new Pegasus.  They are fabulous!

ghdprentice
6,389 posts
 

Science begins with observation, then measurements, theory, predictions, tests to prove the theory is right and wrong… etc. But it starts with observations in the real world. I am sure there are many cable companies that can nearly completely predict the sound of a cable on their reference system. Which brings up the confounding variable, the system the cables are used in. Most all are unique. 

jsalerno277
110 posts
 

Excellent observations on break in of your new AQ T XLRs.  About a year ago i upgraded to WyWires Platinum full loom (XLR interconnects, USB, Power Cords).  For budgeting, each type was purchased, 1 type a month over 3 months.  SQ of each type improved substantially over time up to about 150 hours of burn in.  The USB improved the most from initial installation.  The power cords the least but the change was still remarkable.  I will use the USB as an example of how SQ improved. Upon initial installation the platinum was better than me previous USB; however, I noticed digital glare. Over time the digital glare reduced until gone.  Background became dead silent. Timbre improved and the sound became more liquid and sweet.    Staging and imaging improved as the staging widened.   Bass became more detailed.  As you stated, cable (and equipment) burn in is real.  I also have no issue as you do with those who do not hear (or believe).  It’s all OK.  IMHO, I love the coherent, detailed, and liquid sound of WyWires Platinum and think they are an excellent value.  I do not see many AGoner’s using them. 

nyev
1,022 posts
 

For those of you who have experienced cable break in first hand, have any of you noticed a cyclical pattern of sounding closed up, followed by being more open, back to being closed sounding, etc - with each cycle being different in terms of how open or closed it sounds?  I’ve had this experience a few times now.  Not sure if it’s burnin, or possibly other factors like THD being higher on the AC lines.

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