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Do you think driver “break in” is real?

Do you think “high end” drivers and crossovers typically need a “break in” period before they sound their best?  I ask because, I believe I’ve experienced this first hand in a very significant way. I replaced the tweeters (same exact brand and model as original) in my ACI Sapphire 25 year anniversary edition speakers and for the first week I thought I’d lost my all time favorite speakers. I was depressed!  So I just kept playing them…  finally after a couple weeks, I’m literally stunned and blown away at how incredible these speakers sound. Completely different than the first 30 or 40 hours after I put in the new Scan Speak tweeters. So I say break in period must be real - at least for some drivers. Has anyone else experienced this to a degree that is unmistakeable?  
Crossovers too?  I just rebuilt the crossovers for a pair of ACI Sapphire XL’s (using highest quality components- same values) and so far they sound mediocre. Hoping for the same result as my other Sapphires but after about 20 hours - no noticeable difference - and they do not even sound as good as prior to crossover rebuild. They sound flat, too bright with poor imaging - but for 10 to 15 years they were pretty great sounding speakers. Thoughts on crossover break in?? 
Thanks to anyone who responds!!  

sal1963

Showing 1 response by asvjerry

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,323 posts
 

"Once upon Your Dime...."

Does anyone other than me remember the suggested break-in time/mileage on cars and motorcycles?  The back-lot gray matter gurgles something about '500mi. or 30 days'....intelligent it was, for getting used to a new larger collection of bits 'o this 'n that with the potential of harm and/or demise of you at minimum?

Yup, thought so.
"Lets' do a fiery burn-out leaving the lot in the new 'Stang!"
"Doughnuts in that cul-de-sac?!  WTH Not....!"

Simple.

The warranty doesn't cover idiocy. 

Any spankin' new driver?  100hrs. at a 'civil' level; after that, it's your ears, spouse as exists, and your neighbors' tolerance level(s).

My DIYs' (not just a cabinet, remember?) get stuck on a streamcaster @ a low Muzak dB for 100hrs.; rising after that in 5~10 dB for a day or evening.

Those periods are inclusive of anything that I consider to be a suitable 'workout' for a 'newbie', all freq's all the time...

I won't try to break anything for a month.
Listening all the time, until the end.
Then I just enjoy. *S*

Imho...they're your speakers.  I don't have to pay for the shipping, making calls, emails..... 

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