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New cables - To judge now or after burn in period?

I am in the midst of auditioning a host of Siltech speaker cables (Siltech Legend 380i & 680i) and interconnects (XLR and RCA - Siltech Legend 380i). Needless to say, they are quite a bit more costly than my existing QED cables (QED Genesis Silver Spiral Bi-wire & QED Signature 40 interconnects).

The Siltech cables are highly recommended by my distributor and seem to be well received by the audiophile press. However, doubts arise as upon trying them at home they do not sound as dynamic as my existing QED cables. While the highs are more resolving and I am hearing things that I have not heard before, the bass seems constricted and the music does not make my feet tap anymore.

Is that because the cables are brand new and have not been burnt in as yet? Or is it because there is no synergy between the cables and my particular system? Or is it a bit of both? If it is a burn in issue, how many hours of burn in is required before I should make a judgment as to whether I prefer the sound of the interconnects and speaker cables?

All inputs or observations are welcome.

128x128dcpillai

Showing 3 responses by mastering92

mastering92
870 posts
 
From my experience, cables don't "burn in." They either work or are DOA. Low-quality cables may also die without warning.

Passing electrons through a cable for many hours won't create a smoother path for the electrons to flow on. The physical properties of the cable and shielding will remain the same; providing you don't modify it.

Mechanical devices such as headphones, speakers, and cars burn in. (Reach specified or optimal performance) after a certain time.
mastering92
870 posts
 
I think 600 hours total with the most power-hungry gear would do the trick. Sorry about your electricity bill. 
mastering92
870 posts
 
I don’t believe in cable burn in. Not going to debate anyone who believes it.

I said 600 hours because it was 3 times what others were saying (just to be safe). But really, I’m joking about it.

It was a long time ago. Unknown branded RCAs. Haven’t had a dud since.
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