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DAC break-in question

I'm not wanting to debate if break-in is real or not. 

Can I just stream to a DAC and keep the amplifier off (the Dac is running and showing the sample rates, etc)? Or does a signal need to be getting to the actual amplifier?

My amp is Class A and I do not want to leave it running. However, I don't want to dig into my house ceiling speaker system (a real pain).

Thanks in advance

 

Thanks in advance

aberyclark

Showing 2 responses by aberyclark

aberyclark OP
1,410 posts
 

Thanks so much. I have not done any serious listening to my new Topping e70 Velvet. I hope to start this weekend. So I will leave it on and stream from roon.

 

Again thanks

aberyclark OP
1,410 posts
 

I do believe that break-in does happen. However,

1. I think the general sound characteristic of a component will be apparent when you first hear it. I do not believe that a new component will sound like a clock radio when first used then 500 hours later it sounds amazing

2. I think break-in smooths out some general rough edges of its sound

3. I believe our ears break-in as well. Our brains can distinguish the smallest of sound changes. I compare it to renting an unfamiliar car for a week on vacation. After a couple of days, you begin to feel normal with the differences compared to your regular car. 

4. Our ears change as well. Some days (very few)I can't listen to anything. My system sounds terrible. Most of the time, I love how my system sounds. 

 

I think break-in is a combination of many things.

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