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breaking in a dac

well, i've finally done it. i bought a boulder 1012, after to listening to my dealer's demo off-and-on for several months. so, my questions (yes, i’ve searched--found nothing on point): (1) does a standalone dac benefit from break-in? (2) if, as i suspect, the answer to #1 is "yes," how best does one do this without scaring the dogs or the neighbors (i.e., do i need to power up my amp and speakers to normal listening levels)? (3) if i need a resistive load, can i jury-rig a device (all inputs and outputs are xlr)? TIA -cfb

BTW, for those sometimes mystified by internet-speak abbreviations, here's a great website primer:

http://www.computeruser.com/resources/dictionary/chat.html
cornfedboy
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Hey Kelly just run the CD on repeat play, have your preamp selector set to load the DAC's output (just select THAT input) then listen (or not, your choice) it doesn't matter at all where you set the volume control which is downline from the input termination. Amp does not to be on, not even the preamp because it will still terminate the input. Run it for a few days & play one of those breakin CD's like the XLO etc.
& congratulations on your new toy - an early Christmas gift from you to you!
sean
6,231 posts
 
"regulator interconnect" should've read "regular interconnect". Sorry if you followed my directions and you blew something up : )

I forgot to mention congrat's to you Kelly. Hope you enjoy your new "gadget" and it does everything that you think it should. Now if it could only pay your bills, do your lawn, etc.. : ) Sean
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gregm
3,411 posts
 
Congrats! I, too, used Bob's method for wont of skills to apply Sean's (used by technicians, allegedly to speed up the process). Do enjoy and be patient! I understand the Boulder's rahter complicated power & audio circuitry takes time to break in.
cornfedboy OP
1,645 posts
 
thanks for all the responses, guys. i'm supposed to get delivery of my new toy on monday, next (we'll see). i'm having it fitted with an st glass input, so i can take advantage of the matching optimized output on my accuphase dp 90, which i'll still be using for now. i'll also use some accrotec or trara six nines coax into the boulder's special adapter for it's aes/ebu inputs, so i can toggle between the inputs remotely. yes, this is my christmas gift to myself. -kelly
lak's avatar
lak
4,713 posts
 
You work hard, you deserve it! ]:-)
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