Cable burn in
Hi all. I’m guessing that what I’m experiencing is pretty normal. But it can’t hurt to get some feedback. I purchased a DMS-650 from Cary Audio which is a DAC/Streamer. Since hifi folks have highly opinionated views on cables, nothing is included with the unit. So when I set it up, I had to scramble and I found the three conductor cable that came with a cheap Sony DVD player. Then I replaced that RCA interconnect with a much better quality Blue Jeans cable. Initially the increase in quality was apparent and obviously worth it. However the sound could be hasrsh on certain recordings. Various tracks had a harshness that wasn’t there before. I’ve been playing internet radio during the day for burn in. Now that harshness has vanished. Sitting down to listen last night, things were actually too warm. Some tracks sounded almost muddy. The sparkle was diminished in an obvious way. I am guessing that once burn is complete the sound will settle happily in the middle somewhere. Is that a reasonable assumption? I’m also likely going to order power cables and an interconnect from Audio Envy or maybe some other companies to compare. The guy who sold me the Cary Audio gear is not a salesy guy, but he did pretty emphatically recommend some higher quality cables.
In addition to upgrading your interconnects, look into improving the power cord for the Cary. |
My DAC was mentioned. The Cary Audio DMS-650. It does have an output volume feature, I can play with that. Doing a direct A/B swap, the difference is not at all small. Other people have concurred. In my mind, and maybe that is the key, it makes perfect sense that various material choices, shielding, insulation and other design elements could certainly make a difference. Why burn in does not apply also does not make sense to me. Metallic elements are in play, the same as amps and speakers. Louis Armstrong singing Ssss's went from unbearable to not an issue. Granted there are many questionable things going on in my mind, but I doubt that such a stark difference in tonality is one of them. I would imagine that it is possible that high quality-ow dollar vs high quality- high dollar would be negligible. But the notion that there is no difference at all, especially since I initially went in with the "I'm NOT spending big on cables" mindset is a tough pill to swallow. I am talking about spending hundreds, not thousands. I carefully chose my components under the bang for buck mantra. In summary, I guess that I'll just ask what the believers think about burn in. No need for the "you are a looney tune" crowd to keep chiming in. There is enough of that going on in the world regarding many other contentious topics.Thanks. |
Also, if the cheapest cables end up sounding best to me, they will remain. I plan on trying Steve Huff's $40 speaker cable recommendation as well. If I can sell my Audioquest and still be happy, that will be done. This is not about $$$ or bragging rights. In the end, the cheapo RCA cables may win. I initially heard magic with those cables and I will certainly give them a long listen again. |
I responded about break in. See above. I wouldn’t be wasting time on $40 speaker cables. Get your components straightened out first, then invest in good quality cables. |
@audphile1 +1, I agree, get the components and the room sorted out first and yes, in the end you get what you pay for. |
