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ARC tube CD players - Burn in

My new ARC cd9 joined a Jeff Rowland integrated and Dynaudio c1 signatures.

Was advised to just listen and not run continuous for burn in. In other words turn off when not listening. After approx 50 hours of use I find many CDs mids and especially highs sound harsh and fatiguing.

Would appreciate any comments regarding sonic change as more hours are put on. Was expecting a warm sonic signature with lots of wonderful detail. Will that arrive after more hours? And if so should I run continuously to speed up the process?

Any comments would be appreciated.
yashu
riparian
9 posts
 
Yashu,
It can be confusing with Russian vacuum tube manufacturers. SED (Svetlana Eletron Devices)is another Russian company which bought the name, and makes a 6550C. If there is no Winged C, that isn't the one you want. The =C= SED (Winged C) logo is used by the company formerly known as Svetlana. The key is to get a 6550C with the Winged C logo (also says SED).

I don't believe the Winged C 6550C tubes are manufactured anymore, and that is a possible reason why ARC does not provide them with new electronics. Maybe someone from ARC could comment on that.

It is important to get a Winged C 6550C from a reputable tube dealer. Apparently (I cannot verify this) there are some substandard Winged C tubes in circulation.
djcxxx
101 posts
 
Break in used to be 50 hrs, now 600? I have had my CD8 for over 3 years and frankly it's little different now as it was new. I have 200hr on my 5SE and cannot perceive any major change in sound. However, 600 hrs breakin is a good way to defer buyer expectations beyond the return period.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Djcxxx, Are you saying nothing else in your system has changed in three years? That must be some sort of record. I was under the distinct impression audiophiles generally changed things frequently, if not continuously.
yashu OP
195 posts
 
UPDATE.......

Been running unit 24/7 just under two weeks and the difference is staggering! I now hear the vinyl like presentation with incredible detail. Not even fully broken in, and already exceeding my expectations. Sometimes I guess patience really is a virtue.

Can't even imagine how much better it will continue to sound. Will try the winged c 6550 a little further down the road, but am thrilled right now.

Thanks all, for the suggestions.
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
985 posts
 
Breaking-in 24/7 is the norm for all components. I have done it for every new component but if you ask the manufacturer, they usually tend to be cautious, especially with tubed gear, by not recommending it just in case of a mishap.... That said, I used to break in my ARC Ref 3 tubed line stage 24/7 for 3 weeks without any incident.

Yashu, delighted ti hear that you went 24/7 and the sound is now all the better for it as it should be.
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