2. cables
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Do speaker cables need a burn in period?

I have heard some say that speaker cables do need a 'burn in', and some say that its totally BS.
What say you?


128x128gawdbless
blueranger's avatar
blueranger
575 posts
 
Why is this not scientific proof.
glupson
1,794 posts
 

This thread, and many similar ones, is only for decadent entertainment. What else could it be? Threads about cables get lots of action with ideas and opinions how to do things in some way being expressed quite energetically.


I was puzzled so I checked (just a quick search on Audiogon forums) how are the threads about improving DAC chips doing. Those little things that do the actual work in many, if not most, of our systems. Well, it does not seem that many people are interested in discussing that. DAC chips seem to be some orphan while cables are the favorite child.


I guess that talking about chip design, or whatever else regarding its function, requires a bit more actual knowledge and engineering skills than being bold while talking about wires, regardless of the side you are on.

newbee
4,093 posts
 
I'll be dammed! That certainly explains my experience using speaker cables and IC's. Took a long time to figure out why they sounded bright/edgy 'today' and perfectly fine 'tomorrow'. Unlike electronics though, I did not experience a reversal in the wires when the equipment was off for a few days. So much for A/B testimonials!
glupson
1,794 posts
 
"For many music lovers, this means that they are almost never hearing their cables in their optimum state.”

Did the marketing guy at Audioquest get fired after this?

For an undecided prospective customer, this says "don't bother buying something expensive".

bobbyd38's avatar
bobbyd38
11 posts
 
Discrete components like Resistors, Capacitors and Semiconductors definitely need burn in. And Burn-in in the electronics industry is done to isolate and identify failures, as most defective components will fail within the first 24 hours. However Copper does not! Copper is a natural element, and it’s physical and electronic characteristics don’t change, simply because you pass current through it. All speaker cables do is move electrons from one atom to another when there is a difference of potential (voltage) applied. There is NOTHING to burn in, PERIOD! BTW, I have an education in Electronics and 40 years in the Audio Industry. This false theory is nothing more than Marketing Mumbo Jumbo created by Dishonorable people to sell crap  (Overkill Speaker Cables) to unsuspecting, uneducated victims!
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