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What are we listening for during break in?

Is it time for a reality check? A few days ago a post was started which asked a question concerning burn in of interconnect cables. The consensus of answers agreed that this was a necessary function with no opposing view. The recommendation that got me thinking was to install the ICs between cd player and preamp and use a test disc for 250 hours. My immediate reaction to that bit of advice was "give me a break." That is roughly equal to listening to 250 cds. Considering the amount of time I spend listening to music, it would take me six months to break in ICs.
I have experienced a sonic change after new speaker break in period so I'm not argueing break in doesn't occur. Whether a sonic difference occurs after ICs break in is another matter.
My question is, what are we listening for when we run our equipment for 250 hours just to break in an IC or modification? I don't mean why listen to music, I mean what sonic difference are we hearing? Is it better, worse, different, What the?
timrhu
gregadd
574 posts
 
"... a man goes to the doctor and says doc it hurts when I do that..."
don't listen during break in!
Since I don't believe cables require break in...unless you're using them as a jump rope this is difficult for me. hopefully you're looking for a sound similar to that you heard when you auditioned the cable.

Didn't auditon the cables? You then have to listen to the cable brand new and keep sampling until you get the sound you hoped for.
porziob
316 posts
 
If it requires 250 hrs. break in, the mfg. should be paying you.
r_f_sayles's avatar
r_f_sayles
872 posts
 
Timrhu, Upon break-in I listen as little as possible, as it is usually a big let down. Most wire or components I have purchased new have sounded harsh, with a disconnected sound stage, micro dynamics are a skew and the sound does not give me that "soulful" connection with the "music" until a good burn-in has been done with a real audio medium. My coincident technologies IC cables were some of the worst in this respect needing a total of two hundred hours break-in, no less. Israel Bloom of Coincident was correct in his assessment that the cables would need this. It was painful and grueling but worth every moment of the electric companies meter spinning like a top. Yet I would buy these cables again in a heartbeat and they happen to be a bargain also. Now I know what solid state and cd players are valuable for... Good luck and Happy Listening!
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