I always assume burn in, never assess sound quality until sufficient burn in. Burn in has become moot point for me, simply along for ride until minimum burn in accomplished. As for how many hours, much variability here, I know its burned in sufficiently when sound quality becomes consistent over may listening sessions.
Power Conditioner Changes Sound?
A recent thread concerns finding the cause of variable sound presentation in a new-ish DAC. I've got the same question regarding a new power conditioner. Recently moved almost everything -- two streamers, DAC, phono preamp, linestage preamp, and powered sub -- to an AQ Niagara 1200. The sound now resembles an adolescent male voice in its unpredictability. AQ says the conditioner should need no burn-in. I'm assuming this is so, and looking instead at the THREE new power cords, including a new one for the amp running straight into the wall (chosen only for its firm grip).
Needless to say, I will be switching and swapping power cables after allowing sufficient burn-in time. But could installing a new conditioner itself account for this crazy variability in sound presentation?