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Equipment Break-in: Fact or Fiction

Is it just me, or does anyone else believe that all of the manufacturers' and users' claims of break-in times is just an excuse to buy time for a new users' ears to "adjust" to the sound of the new piece. Not the sound of the piece actually changing. These claims of 300+ hours of break-in for something like a CD player or cable seem outrageous.

This also leaves grey area when demo-ing a new piece as to what it will eventually sound like. By the time the break-in period is over, your stuck with it.

I could see allowing electronics to warm up a few minutes when they have been off but I find these seemingly longer and longer required break-in claims ridiculous.
bundy
spluta
58 posts
 

Last link i posted was wrong this one should work.
The author brings up some good points.

http://www.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/des_s99/electronic_electrical/
mrd's avatar
mrd
12 posts
 
A good friend of mine decided to have an upgrade and purchased a Naim system (5 series, pre and power, CD and flat cap) rushed back from the shop, plugged it into his existing Castle speakers in the hope of audio nirvana. It sounded appalling. We both sat there open mouthed in disbelief. He was so upset he contacted Naim who told him it would take up to 1 month (24hr's a day) to sort itself out. 12 months later and it still does'nt sound perfect to my ears.
tweekerman
473 posts
 
Mrd, thanks for your honest and incredible story. Naim should back their stuff up and give the gut a full refund. Yes, every lab should be fair in what they sell. Why? For all their GIGANTIC HYPE, they and the "hi-fi" mags print out. Of course a 25% return fee is reasonable. ...Where's Bwhite when our camp needs him most. We could use some reinforcements. Hey Marakanetz very good, easy to understand explanations. Truth will prevail.
xenon101
25 posts
 
I have bad ears. I can't hear the difference between electronic components or cables with 3 hours on them or 300 hours. However, I will attest to the fact that the speakers I purchased changed markedly (for the better) after 200 hours on them. I was not the only person who noticed it. Fresh ears who heard them out of the box and then again 6 weeks later commented on how much better they sounded from previous listening.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Thanks, Spluta
This link proves that electric and electronic components wear out within time and break-in time is infinitessimaly measurable.
The reliability issues have to be sought for different purpouses whether it's for aircraft, hospital, audio or any different type of electronics.
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