2. cables
  3. 188950-187871

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
vitussl101's avatar
vitussl101
145 posts
 

So far all I hear is that different insulating materials, because of their dielectric strength affect the current running through them but there is nothing in the literature that I'm familiar with that explains any sort of permanent change, molecular alteration, rearrangement of the atoms in the insulation in a permanent way to explain "breaking in" of a cable.  If anyone has read or knows some actual science behind this, please let us know.  Anyone?  @kingsleuy though made an interesting point about reactance in "how the cable reacts to the counter emf that the unit is trying to push back into the power cord".  Richard Heyser at Cal Tech's JPL studied this phenomenon and would publish its effects along with the rest of his reviews on speakers for "Audio Magazine", still I think, was the best reviewer out their on speaker systems and those amazing "polar plots"; well I'm getting off subject.

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davetheoilguy
111 posts
 

Another thing to consider is manufacturing impurities.

I’ve never had a piece of electronics materials I couldn’t smell when first used and heating up.  Goes away with use.  Or just time.  But usually heat and time.

Presumably whatever this is (highly dependent on what it is and how made, but usually some kind of petroleum product) has some passing effect, however slight.

 

jazzguy43
32 posts
 

As a degreed chemical/nuclear Engineer I agree w/your equation! The solution, as in a far side cartoon, is A SMALL MIRACLE OCCURs!

rodman99999
5,988 posts
 

So far all I hear is that different insulating materials, because of their dielectric strength affect the current running through them but there is nothing in the literature that I’m familiar with that explains any sort of permanent change, molecular alteration, rearrangement of the atoms in the insulation in a permanent way to explain "breaking in" of a cable. If anyone has read or knows some actual science behind this, please let us know.

        Even the lamest of those, willing to do a bit of research, could pick up an encyclopedia (old as the 60’s-70’s) and find information on Maxwell’s equations(1873), Dielectric Absorption, Poynting’s theorem (1884) and Quantum Electrodynamics (on which we were being lectured in the 1960’s).

                                   "...actual science..."?

                          Did I mention: "willful ignorance".

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