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The molecular level explanation of "cable burn-in"

According to one cable seller

"The insulation (or dielectric) will absorb energy from the conductor when a current is flowing (i.e. when music is playing). This energy-absorption causes the dielectric's molecules to re-arrange themselves from a random order into a uniform order. When the molecules have been rearranged, the dielectric will absorb less energy & consequently cause less distortion."

So it’s the plastic polymer (as dielectric insulation) to undergo some sort of molecular rearrangements to minimize the distortion. Probably one of the greatest scientific discoveries ever!

“Many premium AC cords constrict or compress the audio transient as their characteristic impedance restricts the transient current.”

We all know impedance restricts current but how possibly “many” premium AC cords constrict/compress the audio transient (when not carrying audio signal)? Then again is it achieved by this molecular rearrangements of the cable insulation?

Unfortunately there are no measurement data or mathematical formulas to be found to back up this amazing scientific discovery. Simply “it happens”. So I came up with a formula for them.

∆E = P - SoT

∆E: energy absorbed by dielectric

P: energy (power) drawn from wall outlet

So : Smake Oile

T: Dielectric Transition Temperature

classicrockfan
Post removed 
rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 

I like power cables! I need power cables!

 

akgwhiz
176 posts
 

Reminds me of a co-worker who would write such equations to describe various other coworkers' personalities and quirks.  Was quite funny actually.  Yes, they were aware of it.  

classicrockfan OP
85 posts
 

Thanks for the inputs. You don't hate Mondays... so good night!

kingsleuy's avatar
kingsleuy
174 posts
 

All the parameters in your equations are valid. Except Snake Oil. Might want to add the dampening of the conductors inside the cable.   When current flows through a cable it flexes.  A big air conditioning unit startup pulling 200 amps inrush.  An untethered cable will flex or move.  Extreme, high tension power lines shorting will actually whip around like a snake.  Obviously, there is less movement in what we speak but does alter the reactance of the cable and have an effect.

Also.  I think it has something to do with the power supply in the connected unit.  Not so much feeding power into the unit, but how the cable reacts to the counter emf that the unit is trying to push back into the power cord.  Creating standing waves on the wires in the cable.  The wires in the cable flexes on those standing waves.  And find a happy spot.  Break In.  Ultimately settling the Phase Aligning the dc voltages out of the power supply.   After all, It's all about the DC Phase Alignment

I think we both have too much extra time on our hands and need to get a hobby. 

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