How to evaluate amps that are not broken in?

Sure Mrtennis.
But it is more of the search for the new adventures and boredom with the old then anything else.

However, IMO, our current state of mind i.e. a good (bad) day at work, an argument with the spouse, a good game of golf, a lousy meal, time of day, etc. etc. play a much larger role in our evaluation of any listening session than minor changes in the components.

Break in is mostly due to our ears acclimating to the new component not the component undergoing some incredible transformation.

Ommmm, yes. This is certainly my opinion. Never mind changes in your AC line, your air condition or water heater being on or off etc. The variables are endless, and if you believe all of these things make a difference in the sound-- which would only be logical if you believe in break in-- than you seem to be in a catch 22. How do you prove it with when the environment is constantly changing.

You may think you hear something, you may even be sure you hear something. But the real world variables combined with all the psycological variables, combined with standard EE knowledge that NOTHING has changed should be enough convince a normal person that this is all BS.

Dont you think that the industry might have an interest in saying you have to spend some time with a component before it sounds its best? They are probably right, you should. But their reasoning behind it is fabricated.

I wasted a lot of time over the years on this kind of crap, unfortunately.

-Rob

Well, I have to admit that I'm totally confused at this point. All of this disagreement re: breaking-in would seem insignificant if it weren't for the fact that audio gear is so expensive. Perhaps the safest route is simply to only purchase used gear, so the breaking in factor is a moot point.

Stuartk,

A thought.

Given that there is general but not unanimous consensus among: A) manufacturers, B) retailers, and C) reviewers (who are professional and critical listeners of hi fi gear for many hours a week, week in and week out) that "break in" of BOTH electronics and speakers is a real, highly equipment dependent and variable phenomenon that occasionally results in significantly improved performance, I would be so bold as to say that this discussion is almost nonsensical and says more about human nature than it does about whether some newly manufactured hi fi equipment sounds better after some potentially extended periods of operation. (Do I get a prize or a demerit for the length of that sentence?)

My experience with human nature is that those with a passionately held and generally negative position will press their case vociferously and indefinitely, even in the face of volumes of contradictory evidence, particularly if this evidence does not square directly with their own experience, perceptions, or sense of fairness.

Face it, break in happens, or it doesn't happen. And like the trees falling in the forest, if you are not the owner of a piece of equipment who perceives that it requires enduring this kind of consumer hell and self questioning torture, then it doesn't exist to you and be glad of it.