DAC break-in...

...the DAC's I am interested in is notorious for a lengthy break-in.

If you're speaking of a Schiit DAC, it is my understanding that many owners/users claim an extended break in period is required, while the manufacturer does not. The manufacturer does claim that leaving it on 24/7 is best.

I don't particularly believe in break-in, however, certain components such as capacitors do need a little time to "form" correctly and circuits can "heal", but these events happen (IMO) soon after they are initially electrically charged. Electronics that need to operate at a particular temperature is another story and separate (IMO) from "break-in".

All elecrtonic equipment requires break-in time.

But I’d have to imagine that **time** is the operative word, and that can vary from a moment to infinity.
------
I'd like to add clarification to my previous post where I wrote "The manufacturer does claim that leaving it on 24/7 is best. ". In this context, "best" means optimal sound quality. Schiit does not reply (adequately) when asked if leaving on 24/7 is detrimental to the "health" and "longevity" of the components/unit.

Worst case, if the experts are right, it will sound no different over time. On the other hand, you might find the sound gets better with time.

+1
This is my philosophy with regard to leaving my Yggdrasil on 24/7 (which I do not) and its break in period (I left it on continuous for the first week).

.....Seems I may be making a big deal out of nothing and should just use the manufacturer trial periods as intended for our decision....

Sounds/reads like a very good plan. Just be mindful in cases where a manufacturer (or owner/user) recommends leaving a component on 24/7 to draw a distinction between "break-in" and "breaking".