Value of burn/break in?

I'm also new to hifi and had a similar experience with a system that had been sitting a few years (tube pre-amp). First listen and I was like, "what's all the fuss about this hifi stuff" and was very unimpressed.

Now, my test was hardly controlled and I think that speaker positioning and then ultimately a room change helped a great deal but even before that I think some run time did indeed make a difference.

From one beginner to another, do not underestimate room and speaker placement.

I'm in the same boat, but it doesn't take much. A little shift here and angle there. Again, I don't have my Audiophile License yet but it really does make a difference. The main things I was able to notice with my inexperienced ear were bass tightness and the 3D aspect of the sound stage.

easola said:

"n80...so you noticed bass tightness and soundstage with minor adjustments in speaker angle? Interesting! "

No, not just speaker angle but also distance from the wall/corner. My speakers also have a bass port in the rear. Not sure how this changes the equation. The manufacturer actually makes a foam plug for those ports. I'm assuming that is for when the speakers are too close to a wall/corner and the bass is too boomy. Of the two variables (angle vs room position), small changes in room position made the most difference. In my case, moving them away from the corners (I'm talking 6 inches or so) decreased bass more than I wanted it too and I'm wondering if I need to play with a sock on the bass ports as well as position.

"Will try but I have read that pretty much everyone puts their speakers toed in at about 45 degrees so there is a triangle listening arrangement "

Most of the things that come up on a Google search of the issue says this is true. I think it is based on the fact that high tones are very linear and focused. But even reputable (looking) sources say a lot of conflicting things about speaker set up. Most say speakers should be spiked a few say they need to be isolated.