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Cable Burn In Problem

I'm trying out some interconnects, XLR. Problem is, I don't want to put 100+ hours on my CD laser, or my preamp tubes, or my hot-running, electric-consuming power amp.

The only solution I se is this. It is possible for me to find some old tubes to put in the preamp (which has balanced and rca inputs and outputs), and have that running into the turned off power amp. Supposedly just the connection is enough, but, of course, the preamp has to be on and have signal going through it.

I don't have any source to hook to the preamp except my digital player, which again, I don't want to put this mechanical and laser life on.

I do have an old receiver, but it has only rca's, so it is useless.

Any possible suggestions?
saxo
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I agree cable burn in helps the sound but think you should just plug it in and use it.
mitch2
4,003 posts
 
If these are new cables, and if the mfg did not burn them in, you are right 50-100 hours is probably the minimum range to even begin to give them a fair shake. Since you say "trying out," I assume you are auditioning these. If from a dealer, see if they can provide a preconditioned pair for you to try before buying a new pair. Otherwise my suggestion for the easiest most versatile solution would be to purchase a cable cooker, which you could then use whenever you try new cables (and you will), and also use to recondition existing cables. Also, I use an old tuner as a source when I want to play my system 24/7 for breaking in new components. This avoids wear on my CDP.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
they should sound fine now. burn in isn't going to make a 'world' of difference. just enjoy your system, and let the burn in take care of itself.
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
I don't understand the concern about putting 100 hours on your CD player's laser. I've never had a laser failure and I tend to abuse the bejesus out of my CDPs for burn-in purposes. They are workhorses -- just do it.
rodman99999
6,158 posts
 
Interconnects will very greatly in their audible differences before burn-in. There's NO short-cut to the length of time it takes, because it's time/voltage that charges the dielectric. I have used a tuner/old, spare receiver (FM output via tape out, tuned to a rap station for the bass/mucho voltage) to perform the output duty(find adapters for the XLR/rca) to save on LASER time. The pre-amp or power amp don't have to be turned on at all.
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