Sound of cables breaking in?

File this one under too many variables. With so many variables like other system changes, addition of tweaks, weather, time of day, day of week, and many other things it’s not terribly surprising folks report hearing changes in the sound over a period of time with anything.

New cables can sound grainy, with a weaker midrange/bass fullness.
IMO cables should sound OK when new, and get better as they break in.
A cable which sounds like crap may or may not ever sound good.
I had a 7 meter long Hero XLR which sounded like crap day one. So bad I almost took it back. It turned into a decent cable. Later I had a Cardas Parsec 7m XLR and that POS never got right. (always lean sound) After a month I sent it back. However I like a one meter Parsec XLR I still have.

Correct all IMHO.  In my case cables may never get the necessary hours because I am mostly analog and tubes and not willing to put dead hours on them burning in wire.

Elizabeth is right, if it sounds like crap out of the box do not look for a monumental change.

@tommylion - as others have posted what you have experienced is quite normal.

I've had cables that required over 120 hours to start sounding good again and after that they got better, but sounded their best at around the 350 hour mark.

It depends on many factors including metallurgy of the conductors, insulation used and the cable geometry - i.e. how the conductors are aligned within the sleeve.

I tend to install them on a system and then stream music from the internet for about a week before listening seriously.

I've also experienced it with connectors and plugs, so it applies to most things in the audio chain.

Hope that helps - Steve

Cables take at least 100 to 300 hrs to break in this depends on the thickness and the design.When cables are shipped i just had my cables (Purist) re terminated to balanced from rca they will take 20 to 50 hours to settle back in the system.When they are settled in the sound will get smoother with better depth and bass.I can say this balanced cables between the amp and preamp are much more dynamic with more powerful bass as well.Thanks hope this helps. Enjoy!!