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Cable burn in

Hi all. I’m guessing that what I’m experiencing is pretty normal. But it can’t hurt to get some feedback. I purchased a DMS-650 from Cary Audio which is a DAC/Streamer. Since hifi folks have highly opinionated views on cables, nothing is included with the unit. So when I set it up, I had to scramble and I found the three conductor cable that came with a cheap Sony DVD player. Then I replaced that RCA interconnect with a much better quality Blue Jeans cable. Initially the increase in quality was apparent and obviously worth it. However the sound could be hasrsh on certain recordings. Various tracks had a harshness that wasn’t there before. I’ve been playing internet radio during the day for burn in. Now that harshness has vanished. Sitting down to listen last night, things were actually too warm. Some tracks sounded almost muddy. The sparkle was diminished in an obvious way. I am guessing that once burn is complete the sound will settle happily in the middle somewhere. Is that a reasonable assumption?  I’m also likely going to order power cables and an interconnect from Audio Envy or maybe some other companies to compare. The guy who sold me the Cary Audio gear is not a salesy guy, but he did pretty emphatically recommend some higher quality cables. 

chiadrum

Showing 3 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,373 posts
 

I responded about break in. See above. 
Everything matters…type of materials used, level of quality. 
I like OCC copper for interconnects and speaker cables. 
Remember though in the end you get what you pay for. 

I wouldn’t be wasting time on $40 speaker cables. Get your components straightened out first, then invest in good quality cables. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,373 posts
 


Every new cable I ever bought needed time to break in.
Usually between 100-200hrs is enough to get an idea of what it will sound like and most will settle at around 200hr mark.
Used cables that were out of the system for few days take between few to 24 hrs to settle.
That’s been my experience.

BlueJeans are very decent cables but they’re obviously not end game.

In addition to upgrading your interconnects, look into improving the power cord for the Cary. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,373 posts
 

@chiadrum leave your BlueJeans cables alone for now and let them settle.

Before you embark on the cable shopping spree, I would recommend addressing the upgrades in the following order:

1. Components and speakers - make sure that is taken care of and you have the best possible components you can afford

2. Room acoustics - at least minimal acoustic treatment (bass traps, first reflection points, area rug, etc)

3. Speaker cables, power cords, interconnects, ethernet cable - after your room acoustics are in order.
Everything matters. Don’t expect sonic miracles from low end cables (you get what you pay for) just like you wouldn’t from low level components


Going crazy with cables not having properly matched components and room acoustics taken care of will put you on a cable and component mary-go-round.

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