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Cartridge burn-in

Hi to all analog friends here,

Any time I purchase a new cartridge, when I set it up and sit down to listen to it, I cringe a little. It always sounds stiff, harsh, glassy, shrill. Then, after a few days/weeks of playing, it appears to 'break in' and start sounding relaxed, more musical, sweeter, less straining, presenting the music with better flow and finesse.

Common wisdom teaches that the cartridge, being a mechanical component, needs to loosen up its suspension. So, the only way to really hear what the cartridge is capable of is to play it for at the minimum 20 to 30 hours (some sources even say 50 hours).

OK, makes sense (kinda). But an alternative explanation is also possible: whenever we replace our current cartridge with a new one, the new one will sound different. Maybe it is this different, unfamiliar sonic character of the new cartridge that is causing us to feel that the sound is harsh, metallic, unpleasant, strenuous? Then, after a few days/weeks with the new cartridge, our ears and our listening habits get adjusted to the new type of sound, and we grow to like it.

This gradual conditioning to the new type of sound is then called 'cartridge break-in'. But maybe the cartridge doesn't really break-in; maybe it is our ears and our listening habits that gradually break-in and get accustomed to the new sound?

What do you think?

crazybookman

Showing 1 response by karl_desch

karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
422 posts
 

I think experienced vinyl users here have experienced two different types of cartridge break in and have noted a variance in need for break in depending on the design or model of the cartridge.  My SoundSmith MIMC star took a long time to start sharing the deep groove musical details while my Hyperion demonstrated greatness after 20 hours. Anyone who has used a new Ortofon MC A90 knows that bugger takes a long time (>100 hrs) to open up and play music. 

The other type of break in is what @lewm ​​​​@mijostyn are referring to.  I call this the "Lyra one LP side warm up", the time it takes for my friends Atlas or my Etna to start sounding its best.  I think Lewn's use of a test LP is a great idea to warm up a cart.

 

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