Cable Break-in....again?

It could be delusional to think that cables are the only part of a system that does not require break-in, but we know for sure that audio components in themselves do require this break-in period. Audio components have traces on circuit boards for the exception of point to point wiring which interconnects electronic parts (tubes transistors etc.). We know they all contribute to the final sound but do cables in themselves change during break-in & can it be proven? Who really knows for sure. Some electronic engineers can add, subtract or substitute various electronic parts (including wiring) to improve sound but admittingly can't always explain why, resorting to theories.

Bob, I don't know how you reached that (those) conclusions from what I said, but no I don't think that.

As for power cords, and other cables: I surely thought it clear that I take all this "lore" I reported, with a very large grain of salt!

No one I know, or whose article I've read has ever made reference to any scientific study or listening test. Well wait a minute, there was a very well designed (and carefully written-up) listening test that took place in San Fancisco, I think. But the results were inconclusive.

Phd,

A good system design should require very little break in...any design that drifts significantly over time is likely to require regular maintenance or calibration...something a good designer will try to avoid.

Fortunately regular copper speaker wire driven with normal AC audio signals and within its design tolerances is so extremely stable with time that it should far outlast everything else with no drift in properties that would affect the sound....this means that a break in is simply not required for your regular run of the mill copper speaker wire. (only a cable made from materials that were not stable over time/electrical use could conceivably require a break in period, but this would be a poorly designed cable in the first place)

Shadorne, you could be very well correct in regards to the subject of breaking in cabling. If I understand you correctly your suggesting that if there is anything breaking in at all it would be the components & not the cables. Since most quality cabling as well as components are designed by ear for a desired sound and in the end become part of a whole system makes you wonder exactly what part of it, if not all of that system is breaking in. I don't how one can prove if the cable is or is not breaking in with the new components since you really can't test separately. I think this is a thread that everyone has their own opinion and maybe no one can be proven wrong but an interesting topic nonetheless.

Nsgarch, I am relieved to see that your 'musings' were with your tongue planted in your cheek!
Let the marketing continue and I shall continue my listening with non-directional cables (except for the shielding, of course.
Bob P.