2. cables
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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. 

chiadrum
sevestan
29 posts
 

Had my interconnect cables custom made to be 10’3.47” long….mathematically this is the perfect length as all the distortion has plenty of room to disperse.

kellyp's avatar
kellyp
104 posts
 

The AC based audio signal degausses any residual polarization that might be attributed to cable break in.  Sorry about that. 

Spend a hundred dollars and get a LCR meter.  Measure your cables.  You will then discover where your harshness comes from.

 

mahlman
433 posts
 

"Had my interconnect cables custom made to be 10’3.47” long….mathematically this is the perfect length as all the distortion has plenty of room to disperse."

Well that is true for one specific wire manufactured in a particular way. The math changes when you vary construction and gauge and strand thickness.

Cable cooking and freezing can change the math when it alters the metallurgical structure.of the conductor.

 You can reverse the cable and the math will change. Wire has a best way for proper electron flow.

 Avoid laying speaker cables on a bare floor as wood will change the flow of electrons and render your mathematically precise calculated wire to then be incorrect. Ceramic tile will not unless you have tile with heavy iron content. Also avoid finer wool carpets as they are prone to static electricity buildup which can effect your outcome too.

Sarc now off.

budburma
345 posts
 

Hahaha! It's always a good topic to bring out the sour pusses dining on sour grapes. My experience in audio has been enriched by listening and trusting my ears. My experience and ears don't match everyone's I listen, or am in contact, with and I can only speak to my experience:  the very large number of audiophiles I've had contact with, am in touch with and have sat together and listened  on each other's systems pretty much all agree that everything can make a difference - and that cables are, and should be treated as, components. They to take burn in much like other pieces of gear. Trust your ears - you're on the right path in that you are listening and taking stock. Keep an open mind and experiment.

Cary gear tends to be a bit warm in their house sound and that can be heightened by cabling so it depends on the sonic landscape you enjoy. Keep listening and enjoy the tunes!

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