2. amps-preamps
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I hope break in is true

This is the first time I ever bought a brand new out of the box Preamp. No, wait. Second but, the other doesn't count.
I had made previous posts about my decision to downsize.
I have, everything is kinda good. You know, Okay.
I bought a pre here. great seller, great store. Couldn't have been smoother.
I am just not used to this type of stuff. I wanted something with a phono included. I kept it well under a $1000.00
Now, I got to ask you guys. Will this thing get better???/
I have not had to worry about break in before. Does it really exist?
It is a very well built unit. Remote, I'm not used to that! That's nice. Has everything I need. Except it isn't alive. The music is there, presented very nicely. Clean, no extra stuff. Just doesn't have any dimension.
Please tell me this is going to get better:)
scottht
woodburger's avatar
woodburger
143 posts
 
Break In can be real depending on what you are breaking in. I think those who claim otherwise simply haven't had the experience of change - and that doesn't impugn them - they have had gear that didn't change.

After several mods involving black gates caps, for a gross example, I can testify that they DO break in and the sound does change. In my SCD-1, the change at about 150 hours was for the worse - much worse - so bad you think "it's broken," but after another 100 hours, it comes back full and good.

I also had a tube amp change as I listened - it wasn't subtle or slow - it was as if someone had changed a perspective knob (there isn't one!)

Bob Wood
http://www.GreatHomeTheater.com/stereo/html
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
872 posts
 
Scottht, Break-in is just like the tooth fairy or the easter bunny... if you don't believe you will never see it. You will make up some excuse like I just got used to it the way it was and know I'm just not sure anymore.
I'm just kidding, Seriously for me break-in could not be a more real phenomena, wires, tubes, cartridges, speakers, and yes even preamps. Burn it in, wait and see or rather (hear) for yourself! Beware of A’goners who don’t trust their own hearing. Because isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? Happy Listening!
narrod
1,064 posts
 
I owned the AI S120 many years ago. One of the more boring amps I've ever heard. In my opinion, not in the same class as their M3A preamp.
musicslug
430 posts
 
I think digital products need break-in the most
If your first impression of the pre was negative, any ensuing break-in will probably be minimal and I'd recommend trusting your ears. that first impression was the most 'objective' evaluation you're going to get.

get rid of it (and get a tube pre...)
clio09
3,355 posts
 
It's going to get better.
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