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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
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!
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Now were getting somewhere Timrhu.I wonder the same thing.Must be one of the first steps towards Audiophileia,an apparently innocent disease of the pocketbook and mind[leftside].I kind of agree with Porz,250????OK.....cheers,Bob
timrhu OP
2,779 posts
 
Gredadd, I agree; cables don't require break in. That's why I'm asking this question. What sonic changes are people who break in cables listening for?
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,479 posts
 
Wow, how can any audiophile who has gone through much wire say it needs no break in. Come on folks this is audio 101, audio grade school if you will. Of coarse they do. Some more than others. They all react differently. My current set sounded closed in and compressed for 48 hours. After 72 they are great. No big deal, just let if play softly 24/7 until the changes stop.

This is one point that is an absolute fact - cables do require break in. I dont mean to be "emotional" but I have not read statements this much away from he truth. We can all have preferences for one cable vs another etc... But, to say cables dont change with a little burn in time is 100% false. In fact, if you just ship one to a new buyer it takes a couple of hours for the wire to settle into the new system.

Ok, I had to let it out. Sorry if I came accross strong. Well, maybe not :-)
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