DAC break-in question

Even though we’re not debating (thankfully) the merits of run in, I’ll add my $.02. 

I’m still breaking in my new DAC which I acquired late December (as I haven’t been there that much). I couldn’t resist listening to it and my first thoughts were I may have made a very expensive mistake. It was smooth, but dynamically constrained and the soundstage not better than what i had. But I gave it a couple of weeks and it is now coming to life and the difference from out of the box is stunning. A magnitude of difference significantly greater than any component upgrade I’ve made. 

@mgrif104 Which DAC did you buy?

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.

My understanding to burn-in the analog output section of the DAC the output needs to be connected to a load.

Looking at your profile you list a Luxman L-595ase integrated amplifier. I see what appears to be push buttons on the front face panel on the amp. I assume the push buttons are used to control input relays. Any idea what the State of the relay contacts are when the amp is powered off. Maintained closed or open? or defaults to open? You need a maintained closed contact for the input the DAC’s analog output is plugged into, for a connected load.

By chance do you have an old piece of audio or audio video equipment with analog inputs you could use for a load? Maybe an old power amp?

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The amp does NOT need to be on to break-in the DAC.

@signaforce 

A T+A SDV 3100 HV. It’s spectacular now and I’m thrilled. And, pretty sure it’s going to get even better with more time.