Burn-in Device vs Burn-in CD


Ok, I have to admit it...I am not into the Voodoo but I witnessed wire burn-in before my own ears. I tried some magnet wire per DeKay's suggestion and I noticed how the soundtage and sound changed in a matter of 15-20 minutes!

Sean correctly described to me the way my cables are sounding in my system. It is his opinion that I will get the most improvement in my system by changing the tubes in my preamp (they are matched RAMs) and the speaker cables (CAT5) and interconnects (Phoenix gold) plus proper burn-in. I have to admit he is right on target...

Now, would it be better to use (or make) a device like the Mobie or a Burn-in CD?
psychicanimal

Showing 3 responses by sean

A burn in CD will not do anything for you that playing music wouldn't do. The system and cables would be subjected to "normal" duty and go about things normally. It is the higher voltage level that a "burner" produces that helps "cure" the cabling.

Wanna try something simple ? Rig up adapters to use interconnects for speaker cables. CRANK some tunes for a few days and listen to the difference when they go back into the system. While not as effective as a "good" burner, it will get you part of the way there.

If you have access to a SQUARE WAVE generator, connect your interconnects to it. Set the output frequency to 100 Hz and adjust the voltage level for as high as it will go. Terminate the far end of each interconnects with a 10,000 ohm resistor and you're done. Let it "cook" for as long as you can and then hook the cables back up to the system. If you must coil the cables to transport them, do it as loosely as possible. Use wide loops and try to flex the cables as little as possible.

Speaker cables can be done using your wall outlet and a high wattage bulb i.e. 150 - 250 watt flood lamp. This requires careful connections and some way to dissipate the heat from the lamp. The lamp can not be focused on anything that is flammable. The same goes for this in terms of "burn in time". The longer the better. If your cables have ANY type of knicks in the insulation or have EXTREMELY thin insulation between stranding, i would not do this. Obviously, air insulated bare wires would be a BIG no-no.

Here is the following disclaimer for anyone that would want to try the above. I don't recommend burning in anything that uses network boxes, impedance compensation, etc... Anything that you do is at your own risk. If you don't feel safe trying to make electrical connections, DON'T DO IT !!!! If you question the electrical integrity of your cabling, DON'T DO IT !!!! If you want to blame me for your mistakes, DON'T DO IT !!! I am not responsible for what you do. However, i will say that i would not post information that i myself would not or have not done. Take it from there.... Sean
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Francisco, the offer still stands if you would like to send me your cables. I can throw them on the burner for as long as you would like. I've currently got about $10K in cables from various individuals burning right now.

As to KAB, i just bought some gear from Kevin ( the "K" in KAB ) last week. Besides having a very good conversation with him, he cut me a phenomenal deal. I was able to purchase a new cartridge and a replacement stylus with two day air shipping for about $10 less than what the cartridge lists for by itself. Can't beat that kind of a deal with a stick. Now THAT is the kind of place we need around Chicago, right Bob ??? Sean
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Some good news and some bad news. Here's the bad news for Bob:

There IS an airport going up somewhere out here in the south burbs. I just had some drivers come through that told me their companies have gotten work contracts for the next TWELVE years to put it all together. Can't remember all the details, but it had something to do with being located near the new race course. Fron what i understand, it will be primarily used for air freight and cargo, but will accomodate BIG planes. UPS is trying to get something set up, as they want to build a terminal / routing hub close by. This could all be hear-say, but they were all quite confident that it was a "done deal". So much for "peace & quiet" in that area. Roaring races on weekends and planes 24 hours a day.

As to the good news for Francisco, drop me an email and we can work something out. I've still been having some problems with my puter and service provider, so if i don't get back to you ( or anybody else ) in a timely manner, re-send it to me again. I will be changing servers as soon as my contract with them runs out. To make it simple though, you can throw the cables in the mail, i can burn them and get them back to you either via the mail or at the next CAS meeting. Your choice, as i don't know how long you can spare them or want them to burn. Sean
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