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Question about break-in method for interconnects

A dealer told me that an interconnect being broken in between a preamp and amp will only carry signal between the pre-amp and amp, and cycle the signal, if the amp is powered up and connected to speakers.

Others have told me that merely having the amp powered up is sufficient to have the signal cycle.

Still others have said that having the IC carrying signal to a turned-off amp is enough.

Perhaps it is component-dependent, but I would think that an interconnect running between a powered-up preamp and powered-up amp, whether the amp is connected to and driving speakers or not, is carrying signal and thus breaking in.

Which preamp / amp method described above works?

Thanks.
dearing
aroc
760 posts
 
You're probably correct that "carrying a signal between the pre and amp" is probably enough. Though I always try to "break stuff in" using a full running system, myself. (source to speakers). Under ideal conditions I'd think you'd want to have the break-in period minic real world use as much as possible. Though I think we're quickly approaching the rule of diminsihing returns on this one!

Your assumption is probably sufficient. :-)
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
The amp provides a signal input termination whether it's powered on or not; that is all you need. Signal current flows thru the interconnect regardless of the amp being powered off or on. Never mind the speaker side termination which has nothing to do with the input & matters not in the least.
bwhite
807 posts
 
I think the above post is correct.
However I feel better putting a CD on repeat, with the preamp and amp on. I crank the preamp to a level slightly above normal listening levels and let it run all night long...

This is done with the positive speaker terminal disconnected.

Seems to work okay.
mchd1
93 posts
 
I recently bought some Cardas cables and the package information stated that the component at the terminal end of a cable that you are breaking in does not need to be turned on. You can burn in a digital cable for example with the transport running and the DAC turned off.
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