Speaker break in?


Does anyone know what the break in process is all about? Myth or fact? What is being broken in? Is there an optimum break in time? Low volume or high volume? I would appreciate feedback. My Revels (M20s) did sound better after a period of time. Why? The M20s sounded so much better than my previous speakers; I'm not sure if they were getting better or I'm just hearing more. Anyone with first hand experience? Set me free Audiogoners...
thanks in advance,
128x128warrenh
Totem recommends break-in at low to moderate levels. I guess if the surrounds were too stiff you might damage the bond between the surround and woofer frame. Take it easy at first, but it would probably take some real abuse to damage a woofer.
Absolutely! 250-500 hours playing time should do it for virtually any higher-end speaker.

peter jasz.
Warrenh, I was just kidding about the cable break-in. I don't really think anyone could explain it to my satisfaction anyway.
Brand new speakers can change a little over time, but at least the measurable differences between a brand new and broken-in speaker have been found to be smaller than the typical variation between any two of the same model. At the same time, it's well known that people become accustomed to a certain sound as they listen to it, so it's quite likely that you're really just getting used to your new Revels. My advice, Warren, is to not sweat the details of breakin, and just enjoy your new speakers!
I have a hard time believing that the measurable differences between a brand new and broken-in speaker have been found to be smaller than the typical variation between any two of the same model. However, I'm not doubting that you know what you're talking about. In my thinking, even if this is true, I believe that the "perceived" difference between a new and broken-in speaker would be larger than the "perceived" difference between two broken in speakers.