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Arcam irDAC break in time and sound changes?

I recently purchased an Arcam irDAC. What sort of break in time is expected? What sound changes occur along the way?

Right now I'm using it as a front end to my AppleTV via optical which streams content from my Mac Mini and ITunes, but I might use it as a DAC for my CD player after it breaks in. Seems to be really nice build quality and well received on many reviews I've read, but I'm not sure what to expect yet on how long this break in process takes or any sound changes I might see along the way. It did open up a little bit after the first 8 hours of use, but I guess I have a ways to go...
decooney
decooney OP
2,139 posts
 
Akg...ca,
I typically give it at least an hour before starting to listen. Often times I will check back at 1.5 and 2.0 hour and start listening with more intent then. This past time were I mentioned the "roller coaster" comment was at about 2.0 hours, so it was unexpected after being warm for a while. One day I did leave it running for about 8 solid hours and it sounded different for sure, having an even warmer sound. Not seeing a real rhyme or reason to it, I decided to get ideas here to see what others have experienced. Longer warmups definitely help.
samac's avatar
samac
499 posts
 
Decooney, I gather from your posts you are turning the irDac off when not listening to it. If so you might want to try leaving it on for 24-48 hours and see if you like what you hear. I leave my rDac on 24/7. I also leave my amp on most of the time.

When I do shut my system down it takes quite awhile to sounds its best so I leave it on as much as possible.
decooney OP
2,139 posts
 
Hello Samac,
Thanks. I just started leaving the irDAC on all the time just recently. Unfortunately I cannot leave my amps on all the time as they get pretty hot, but I'm definitely running one of my new tube amplifiers as much as I can to help speed up break in time along side the irDAC. I realize I have two variables going at once, breaking in both at once, but I can tell that things are getting better with time on both, and I have an older amp I use for reference to switch back and forth to see who much is related to the irDAC break in time vs. the new amp.

Just today after 40+ hours on the irDAC I'm starting to notice subtle changes along the way. It's opening up more, sounds smooth, and I'm really liking that it is not to harsh, and not too dark. It just sounds right. If it gets any better than it is now at 40hours in, this will be great. irDAC is on all the time now.

I hope to learn about the adjustable filters next in the irDAC to see what this is all about once it's broken in more.
samac's avatar
samac
499 posts
 
Hello, Decooney. That's great! I'm glad the irDac is sounding good. I hope I get a chance to hear the irDac myself soon.

Yes, I wouldn't leave the tube amps on all the time either. When I had tubes I would only have them on when I would be listening.

Enjoy your new system!
decooney OP
2,139 posts
 
I've read in several places now folks reporting 100-200 hours break in time which I find hard to believe on this type unit, but if it's true, I guess we'll see what we get once I get there.

Really glad I decided to wait and get this DAC versus a cheaper one. I have been a bit of a holdout with streaming music as a "primary" source over CD on my main audio system, but not now. With this new DAC I'm hearing things in a new way and glad I did not wait any longer. My CD player and high end FM tuner is sitting idle now more than ever even though I still enjoy all three formats. This irDAC is pretty cool. Thanks to all for your replies.
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