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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
fleschler
2,023 posts
 

As a beta tester for a boutique cable manufacturer, I wouldn't listen to a cable without 24 hours of break-in.  Certainly significant differences can be heard immediately.  There was often a significant change of character between new and broken-in cables, mostly better but sometimes worse, emphasizing a negative change.  Professional cabling less significant, especially balanced cables. 

To those who claim only speakers require break-in, NO!  phono cartridges (maybe other than DC Audio systems) require break-in of 20 to 100 hours to optimize the suspensions, just as in dynamic cone speakers.  My numerous Dynavectors and Benz cartridges-50 hours then, wow!

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,895 posts
 

ozzy

Thank You for the follow up. Agreed, You will want to use a full loom of AQ cables/cords with the Niagara Power Conditioner. Synergy is key.

 

Happy Listening!

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,525 posts
 

fleschler,

Thank you for your post. I never claimed to be able to explain cable breakin. But it is apparent to those who care about the final outcome.

Phono cartridges hmmm. Amazing, thank you.

Just to get the deniers more riled up (just kidding) but I found the Critical Mass footers also had a breakin period of about a week.

ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,525 posts
 

jafant,

Thank you, my friend.

To me it's all a matter of synergy. Our systems should work as a unit.

ozzy

classicrockfan
174 posts
 

"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."

Can’t help laughing... and wondering how many AQ influencers are active on Audiogon. (or one person with multiple user names) It’s pity that they don’t seem to have basics knowledge about cable/wire electronics.

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