IME they certainly do, more than any other component (along with speakers).
IMO and as noted by Swampwalker, this is largely due to changes in the suspension. The process is inevitable, because subjecting a new, never stressed elastomer to repeated flexion/compression cycles causes changes at the molecular level. A perfectly elastic suspension wouldn't change, but unfortunately a perfectly elastic material doesn't exist.
Dynamic cone speakers have a break-in period for exactly the same reason.
The length of break-in varies widely from one cartridge to another. I've had cartridges stabilize after just 10-20 hours while others have continued to exhibit wild swings through 100 hours and beyond.
IMO and as noted by Swampwalker, this is largely due to changes in the suspension. The process is inevitable, because subjecting a new, never stressed elastomer to repeated flexion/compression cycles causes changes at the molecular level. A perfectly elastic suspension wouldn't change, but unfortunately a perfectly elastic material doesn't exist.
Dynamic cone speakers have a break-in period for exactly the same reason.
The length of break-in varies widely from one cartridge to another. I've had cartridges stabilize after just 10-20 hours while others have continued to exhibit wild swings through 100 hours and beyond.