How to "break-in" new speakers??


A number of posts regarding the so-called "break-in-time" (or is it "burn-in-time) for new speakers have muddied the waters for me. If I recall correctly, some posts recommend that new speaker "break-in" could run anywhere from several hours to 175 hours, or more (good grief!), depending on the speaker manufacturer and model/type in question. In my case they would be the Rega RS-1 bookshelves. On other posts I have read that burning-in is a red-herring and should be ignored. I have also read that a proper burn-in should be done at a high volume, but not so high as to damage the speakers (an unnecessary caution), while simultaneously running the speakers non-stop for the necessary burn-in period. I find myself especially resistant to the last half of these recommendations, if only because I would like to think it possible to get a good nights sleep while simultaneously doing right by my speakers. I can only hope that however many responses I receive will not further muddy the already dark waters.
georgester

Showing 5 responses by audiofeil

As others said, just listen.

However, when I leave the house for a couple hours, I'll put a cd on "repeat" and turn the volume up much louder than my ordinary listening level. Only with solid state amps; I do not leave tube power amps unattended.
>>12-03-11: Mceljo
Speakers don't need to be loud to break in<<

Wrong.

Speakers do in fact need elevated SPL to break in properly. The cones are quite stiff initially and the higher SPL helps their flexibility.

As a matter of fact Zu Audio recommends specifically what I am posting.

Hope that helps you understand better.
For the record, I am not advocating paint peeling SPL for break in, only a moderately (above average listening) level.

I'm just saying....
Low volume is not necessary.

Moderate SPL is fine and this is what manufacturers recommend. Once again elevated SPL, so long as you are not peeling paint, is quite safe.

Ignore the amateurs.
>>12-08-11: Rok2id
Are you a Professional Audiophile?<<

It's all relative Soupy.

Been doing it a long time.