Hey, why do WE have to break-in cables???

I agree wholeheartedly. If I have to run my system for a month solid everytime I get a new component, I'm going to wear a lot of stuff out (especially tubes, cd drive mechanisms).
I also agree w/ Nrchy, as I've noticed that if I don't play my system for a while, it takes some time to sound good again. But not a very long time - just a couple hours.
It may have to do with marketing. If you get a 30 day home trial of something that takes 800 hours of breakin-you won't get there til 3 days too late, even if you keep them running 24/7. Also, they want you to get used to listening to the product. I wonder if much of the break-in process is US breaking in to accept the new sound as valid.

Hi Rja.

This topic has been discussed before. Do a search. Meantime, we've posted a bit before on this topic. Here are the Links. Hope it helps.

BURN-IN vs. BREAK-IN and HERE

Cheers!

Robert
RSAD

Nrchy,
You have a valid point. But still, 80-100 hours of break-in by the manufacturer would go a long way toward making life easier for the consumer. I feel that more companies should offer this service, especially the high buck guys.

Getting them raw ,is cool. I like to go through all the phases of hi-fi. It is after all a hobby. Plug and play is not the same. Babies without the crawl or the teething,the first walk or laugh.

especially at mega $$$$$

Problem with break-in is you are not always sure if they will actually sound 'better' after the designated period....