Equipment Break-in: Fact or Fiction

I'm with Marakanetz on this one. I believe that your brain is doing the majority of the burn-in, except with speakers.

It's widely accepted that equipment that is "warmed up" sounds better than when it is first turned on. Why can't you accept that some level of break-in makes a difference?

I admit to having heard the effects of break-in on various pieces of audio equipment. I'll grant that some components seem to require little break-in while others need quite a bit more.

One of the better descriptions of what constitutes break-in of audio equipment (at least for speakers) can be found on the Avalon Acoustics website.

To paraphrase the manufacturer, break-in is required because there is "a residual polarization of the dielectric materials used in the crossover capacitors and internal wiring. The electrical signal will gradually anneal these materials. Driver suspensions similarly need break-in to "reach their optimal mechanical properties as the speakers are played." They go on to state that an initial six hour warm up with quiet music is recommended, with an additional 200-300 hours of loud, dynamic music for extended break-in.

Whether you choose to believe that break-in is important or not, it's hard to argue with the recommendations of an audio manufacturer of some repute.

Never thought much about it until I experienced it for the first time. Uncanny. A bit like cooking. You suddenly know when the soup is exactly the right temperature and all the seasoning blends into something surprisingly tasty.

This is a fact. Have you ever looked at an older circuit board? The flow of electricity changes the board. I have installed many cameras that had perfect focus and have returned two weeks later to find them out of focus. Gremlins perhaps! The question is: How much does the sound actually change? Does the tone change from harsh to smooth? Does the bass change from thin to deep? Does the soundstage come into focus? If I had to guess, from my own experience, it is 5 to 10 percent at the most.
Tim