Yep …. You betcha. Run-in time is important in high-end gear . ( I use “run-in” instead of an imperfect “break-in” )
MY TAKE:
My MOON 280D MiND2 streamer/ network player/ dac initially suggested a minimum run-in period of about 200-300 hours . BUT , It was only at the 500 hour level that it fully blossomed into its top performance strata.
What was explained to me was it was no surprise - the 200-300 threshold was the recommended MINMUM. The extended run-in time was necessary so that its high-end build parts, boards, and high-end OCC wiring settle in properly that parallel the required long run-in time in its high-end amps.
NOTE:
- Regardless, the unit audio performance run-in step-ups were never linear in time . Rather it was a series of ad hoc ladder steps .
- Every OEM will have its own bespoke manual directions . MOON suggests that it be left powered on continuously. I was initially skeptical, but I eventually relented to keep it powered on as suggested …. Hmmm …. Yes …. An audio performance additional uptick was now noticed .…go figger.