2. cables
  3. 191598-2712

Interconnect Break In?

I'm wondering about break in on a new interconnect (RCA's). I'm using it from my CD player / Streamer to my preamp. If the CD player is on and streaming but the preamp is off, does the interconnect still break in? 

If this has been answered and you can point me to that I'd appreciate it. I just didn't have any luck searching.

Thanks!

ddrave44
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,486 posts
 

You need to be passing the signal, so yes, the preamp needs to be on.

ozzy

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,202 posts
 

Wire does not "break in". If it did it would have been observed during the first widespread use of wire for communication - the telegraph era of the 1830's.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,202 posts
 

 What does change over time is the contact resistance of the connectors due to oxidation. A new pair of cables is installed. A change of sound is noted. The new connectors make a cleaner contact with the jacks. Nothing to do with the wire! So periodic cleaning of the contacts is beneficial.

willywonka
245 posts
 

IMHO most components don't break in. Your ears on the other hand do adjust to the new sound. Speakers possibly are the exception to this with mechanical parts moving air. Individual components in electronic audio gear have such tight tolerances they just don't change over short periods of time.

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