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Do speakers need to be re-broken in?

Just purchased a set of speakers which have sat for quite while- 5 years from what I am told. I have heard the differences between new "tight" speakers drivers and a broken in pair, where the bass gets deeper and the speaker "breathes" better and sounds more open, and clear and resolves better, you know- just sounds better all-around.

I haven’t witnessed this personally in my own home in over a decade, and that was with planar drivers and not conventional cones, which this set has, but regardless of speaker technology I believe it is well understood this is a necessary process and manufacturers agree and suggest this- so not looking for any arguments there please.

But I would think used, or already broken in speakers would not do go through this process, but my ears are telling me they are getting better, so contrary to my assumption perhaps they do need re-breaking in? Anyone else gone through this?

128x128mclinnguy
ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

I have never noticed the need for additional breakin when speakers have not been in use for a few years. I would probably have noticed.

larsman's avatar
larsman
1,930 posts
 

My experience with speakers is that some sound great right out of the box, and some sound like the components of the speaker have never met each other before, until after 150 hours or so of playing time. Same with headphones. Nothing to do with anything being acclimated; I don't even listen to them most of the time they're breaking in. It's what I expect so it's no problem for me. But once they're broken in, I've found that they don't change anymore afterwards. 

knotscott
921 posts
 

Speakers that have been sitting for several years might need to flex a little to get the suspension components working freely.  Some caps, depending on the type, might even need a little time with a voltage applied to get the juices flowing again if they've been dormant for a while.  

jond's avatar
jond
5,794 posts
 

You may find they sound better after a few days of playing as things loosen up but I wouldn't expect any extended break-in. But you never know just listen to music and see what happens.

barts's avatar
barts
713 posts
 

I'm thinking after the dust gets blown off the only things left are your ear/brain adjusting.

Regards,

barts

Still I would let them play for a day or two continuously to satisfy your curiosity and let that "static in the attic" go. 

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