Burn in question and evaluation before burn in

Demo gear fully broken in and then decide if you like it. If you like it buy it...maybe even try it at home:)

One thing I've learned over 40+ years is that initial impressions can tell you alot about a system and or it's componentry. If it sucks from cold, it may get less sucky, but it will not be transformed during the breakin process. If a system "WOWS YOU" in the gut from new, you are on the right track. Most aplogies and breakin stories come from people who have chosen poorly and can't deal with the awful truth (I've been there myself).

Very rare is the story such as yours Albert, and no I do not deny breakin at all! What I have experienced is that great gear sounds great to a certain degree, right out of the box. Time, self-delusion and tweaking will make us feel better for awhile, but in the end reality bites.

Albert, I agree breakin occurs in most cases within a certain degree of subjective/objective criteria. I have found that gear which sounds off/not right/bad etc.., will not change enough over time to make it acceptable. All of this is very personal and predicated upon ones expectations and degree of discrimination. My best systems sounded pretty damn special right out of the box(es).

Maybe I'm not being clear? I agree wholeheartedly in burn in being significant overall. All I'm saying is that a sow seldom transforms itself into a goddess.

Onhwy61...yup!