2. misc-audio
  3. 1385131245

Burn-in and Equipmemt Value

A lot of people strongly believe that burn-in results in better sound quality and some will even pay more for cables that have the burn-in done by the manufacturer. If burn-in is real, then why isn't used equipment worth more than it is? At a minimum, shouldn't the demo equipment from a respected retailer be worth more when manufacturer warranties are still in play and the equipment is essentially new?

As a side question, why is it that any perceived change in a system where burn-in is credited it is assumed that the burn-in was on the newest piece of equipment? Some users report changes from burn-in hundreds and thousands of hours down the road.

I understand break-in on speakers and tube amplifiers, but struggle greatly with things like cables and digital sources.
mceljo
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,869 posts
 
I've yet to see evidence on just how electricity "moves' across any surface be it a circuit trace or cable so in my mind to think that it's a given and always follows the same path unless channeled or directed, doesn't make sense (this is not to say that the Mceljo suggested that).

Having said that, this energy is burning a path down that circuit trace, capacitor or wire and it takes time to do it so that it can be done as efficiently as possible since that is the nature of energy: it waits for no one but it can be directed.

Having said that, burn in should be viewed as a normal event and not given much consideration. Now onto my second glass of Pinot.

All the best,
Nonoise
schipo
1,268 posts
 
Audiophiles Have more myths then Greek Mythology has hero's & Gods.
terry9
2,333 posts
 
IIRC, a leading cartridge guru says that a few hours is sufficient for mechanical "break-in" of a cartridge. The next 50 -100 hours is necessary for the cartridge's guts to be bent into the shape required by poor installation, which accounts for the evolution in sound.
fingerpaws
51 posts
 
I cannot say about cables, but when my Qol was "breaking in", there was a single moment when the sound changed and improved. It was subtile, but very real. I also noted improvements in my system when I added Vibrapods under the components, and I added them one component at a time. The point is to try to make everything perform at its best in your environment and system, and the fun is in trying to do the free or cheap things to get better sound.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
"Burns In" Time is the Time Frame from the owner to align his ears to his latest Investment. To be more precise, the time he needs to deny that he does not like it...
More to discover