If you think about all the material and mechanical elements that go into the construction of speaker drivers, it's clear that speakers will need a break-in period (just as car engines used to do). On the other hand, it's true that whatever change is going to occur, is not going to be night and day. Audiophiles trade in hyperbole, because small differences matter a lot to them. Be aware also that there's another school of thought that contends that part (or all) of break-in is your ear getting used to the new sound. So a reality check against the old product, if possible, is a good idea. Above all, just don't let indecision take you past whatever deadline exists for a full-refund return.
Okay, How Important Is Speaker Break In? (Dynaudio Contour 60i)
I have been running 25+ year old B&W Matrix 803 S2 speakers in my 2-channel system for about 15 years, and I finally treated myself to new speakers. Mock me for buying based on research alone, but I got a really good deal and just unpacked my beautiful Dynaudio Contour 60i's. The Dyn's are not broken in, just starting to play around with different songs, but I am expecting an improvement out of the box, and not getting it. They are no more revealing, and slightly harder and more jangley in the mids and highs. The bass is of course much better with the big Dyns, but the B&Ws with the Dyn Sub6 subwoofer I was running were better. I have very good equipment so it is not a matter of driving bigger speakers (ARC Ref preamp and Bryston 7bSST2 monoblocks). Unless speakers get A LOT better with break in, I thinking these Dyns may be converted back into cash. Thoughts? Thanks.