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What Exactly Does "Burn In" do for Electronics?

I understand the break in of an internal combustion engine and such, but was wondering what exactly "burn in" of electrical equipment benefits musicality, especially with solid state equipment? Tubes (valves) I can see where they work better with age, to a point, but not quite sure why usage would improve cables, for instance. Thanks in advance for your insight.
dfontalbert
csontos
1,311 posts
 
I think the compensation issue is apples and oranges. Break in at the manufacturer is about ensuring it stays in spec. Changing out parts for different effect has nothing to do with so-called burn in. The same issue would apply.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,090 posts
 
I love it when people speak in absolutes. It's like when people demand. Limited life experiences are one source of this behavior or in this case, limited listening experiences.

Having a closed mindset implies one is not open to learning (hearing) something. Speaking in absolutes (or stating) demands no other course but the one proffered. It's akin to generalizing, which I do my best to avoid. It requires constant discipline.

All the best,
Nonoise
jaxwired
232 posts
 
Generalizations are the source of all wisdom.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Changing out parts for different effect has nothing to do with so-called burn in. The same issue would apply."

Like I said, don't take my word for it. Call some manufacturers and see what they say.
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
As I see it, it can be expected that by the time developmental testing is completed on the prototype of a new design, including final tweaking/voicing of the design, the prototype is likely to have accumulated a MUCH greater number of hours of operation than production units accumulate prior to leaving the factory. Both as a matter of necessity, due to the nature of the development process, and because the designer will want to assure that final tweaking/voicing takes into account any possible breakin phenomena.

Therefore if in fact breakin phenomena occur for a given design over a number of operating hours that is greater than the number of hours of operation of production units prior to shipment from the factory, those phenomena will continue to occur after the component is placed in service by the end user. And the component will not perform as its designer intended until after some period of use by the end user.

I would be very surprised if any of that were not the case, particularly when it comes to speakers, cartridges, AND major electronic components. So I am in essential agreement with ZD on this point.

Regards,
-- Al
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