Burn in vs perception


Posting here in speakers, but could probably go in any of the forums. Question of the night: how much of burn in of components is actually burn in of our perception? That is, is burn in partly us becoming accustomed to a change in sound.
 

I’m listening to my SF Amati Traditions that at first I found a bit strident, but I now find lush, dynamic, and generally brilliant. I bought them as 1-year old demos so theoretically they should have been played enough to be broken in. I haven’t changed anything in my system—I have been working on my room with more stuff, but that’s it.

Sometimes reviewers or arm chair audiophiles (me) will state that said component needs to be plugged in and left alone for weeks until it gels with the system. Could this simply be our own perception burn in OR is something real happening here?

For speakers I can buy it (woofers need to loosen up and all), but I almost always buy used, and I almost alway a) find a difference of a new component (good or bad), and b) in time, I couldn’t tell you what the change was. Maybe just me, but our brains are pretty good level setters.

I willing to bet this can be a large part of “burn in”.

 

 

w123ale

Showing 7 responses by 1971gto455ho

So add it up burn in is bogus this time… yay !  Over and over it goes, on and on for ever. Like some I’ve been at it for 50 ish years but fortunately I didn’t get sucked into the crap part of the audio world. 

The story I really found intriguing was the gentleman who claims at high volumes the wires in his system move. Perhaps it was critical listening and his chair was electric, damn it’s hard to find people to A/B that theory.

Cheers

@tonywinga

I do have the GTO, a convertible 4 speed. Original parts aside, I installed the modified 455HO engine plus drive train and chassis upgrades. I’ve speed and modern, comfortable-handling win-win.

And to you sir, kindly explain what this wire electrical phenomenon has to do with audio ? I hazard to say absolutely nothing ! But I do thank you for the Humorous opportunity, have a nice day 😂

Still amounts to useless information as to the subject at hand that being audio. No one said anything about extreme voltage / amperage such as down wires from transformer on a pole. And finally, if retired, my guess is there are a few managers out there that have removed the earbuds. 

Agree 100% mechanical movement, materials flexing, etc. No imagination there. 
 

Cheers