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Equipment Break-in: Fact or Fiction

Is it just me, or does anyone else believe that all of the manufacturers' and users' claims of break-in times is just an excuse to buy time for a new users' ears to "adjust" to the sound of the new piece. Not the sound of the piece actually changing. These claims of 300+ hours of break-in for something like a CD player or cable seem outrageous.

This also leaves grey area when demo-ing a new piece as to what it will eventually sound like. By the time the break-in period is over, your stuck with it.

I could see allowing electronics to warm up a few minutes when they have been off but I find these seemingly longer and longer required break-in claims ridiculous.
bundy

Showing 1 response by paulwp

paulwp
585 posts
 
Now you've ticked me off, Redkiwi. How can you say it's insulting to call someone a freak? I'm still a freak and proud of it.

I found your observation about those who believe speakers make the most difference also being people who disbelieve in the burn in phenomonenon interesting. Probably accurate. I certainly think speakers make the most difference, and I have never noticed any change over time in any electronic component. Tubes, phono cartridges, speakers, sure.

In reply to Bundy's original question above, I agree. I've always thought the retailer's advice that a customer has to give a new component a chance to burn in is the best evidence that electronic things sound different from each other. Otherwise, there would be no reason to have the customer get used to the new sound.

Nice to see you back Red.
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