How much does volume matter when breaking in amps and cables?

Tcatch, that’s a good question. I guess one could purchase cheap xlr/rca adaptors for breaking in. 

I would have figured since cables need breaking in (plus, I've heard the rca/xlr connectors on the cables needs to break in as well), that one should "break-in" each input/output that will be used on a pre amp. 

Again, ZARATHU, if you read my original post, I do not want to debate "break-in".

Here is my experience: If a component does not sound good "out of the box" I do not believe any amount of break in will change my mind. However, I notice components open up a bit more after some hours of playback. Now, I'm not into the 500-800 (or whatever) hour deal, but I think things slightly improve with a few hours of playback. The rough edges (floabt) smooth out. 

In my original post I was wondering if volume has an effect on break in or is turning on the component with low volume sound enough. 

Maybe the wires were all connected in the wrong direction on the first day of the show Lol- i crack myself up

I’m not buying the everything sounds bad on audio show day 1. Most manufacturers bring demos that have been used in other shows, etc. previously. Many are in fact the first run components from the first batch of manufacturing and ran thru various testing procedures. Now, a “melding” with the other components at that show may happen over time... but majority of components have been played quite a bit. Wilson and Bryson are not grabbing newly boxed items from the warehouse for each show or demo. 

True. What you are hearing is not break in. Maybe tweaking as the show goes on, crowds, changing speaker positioning, your ears adjusting to the environment etc. 

Try this. Wear earplugs for about 3-4 hours straight. Pull the plugs out and listen to your system. With your ears halfway rested, your system waill sound much different than you are use to. Same if you wore no earlugs cutting the grass for two hours. Chances are, one is attending an audio show out of town. Maybe travel was noisy, airplane cabin pressure or city altitude. Hotels are generally busy and noisy. Most likely one’s ears have to adjust for something different. 

So I guess the concensus is that high volume is not really needed for non sepeaker component break in. 

Millrcarbon. Funny you mention engine break in 

I managed a plant for Delphi back in the day. The saying was “break it in how you are going to drive it”. If something fails pushing the car a bit hard in the first few miles, it’s not the rpm’s it’s a faulty component. 

I agree. Just like leaving an amp on 24/7 vs listening right after a cold start-up. You just know when you listen.

I think some fail to return equipment they don’t like, hoping for the glorious moment that mesmerizing sound takes over their rooms. By the time they figure it’s not going to happen, the return period has passed