TRL Marantz Sa-14

Sbayne, I understand your question completely. You want someone to give you a scientific/engineering explanation as to why TRL modded machines take 500 hours to break in versus the quicker break-in time of other modded machines.

I was offering a different perspective on the question. I'm not convinced the 500 hours is empirically justified. Couldn't it be somewhere between, say, 321-545 hours (replace with numbers of your choice)? And, isn't it possible that break-in effects are as much a part of our psychological desire and expectation to hear a difference? If the magic number is supposed to be 500 hours, then that's when the timer goes off in our heads. "Eureka! I hear it!" And, if we don't hear any difference at the 500 hour mark, have we failed? And if so, can we ever admit it in public?

You see my point?

Anyway, sorry for diverting your quest for an answer. Perhaps Jack or one of the folks at TRL might offer an explanation...

Sbayne-

It is well established that the specifics of circuit and parts changes are not released by TRL. This is troubling to some people, others could care less if the outcome is something they are happy with.
That said, I do know that they use some of that wire that goes into their reference power cords and that supposedly is the break in from hell for that stuff.

For whatever reasons, it has taken all of the 500 hours or more for the mods from them that I have had to really settle in.
I just kind of enjoy the ride.
My SA14 is at 324 hours with the upgraded mod.

Tvad-

It has improved over this time like most units usually do. The times I have noticed the most is when I have not listened to it for a few days and then play a CD.
I agree, it is a mysterious and debate provoking process.

I agree the whole break-in discussion is a little mysterious especially with TRL claiming 500 hours is necessary when other companies say 100 hours is enough. All I can say is my system is sounding better every day. My son even commented the sound is getting "wider and deeper". I'll just let it keep playing.....

I'm not so sure that TRL says that 500 hours is a magic number. IME, as one's music system gets better sounding, more changes are evident with break-in. If a system hasn't very much resolving power, one might not hear any change with break-in. So, some will hear differences with breaking-in a player or cable or... and, some won't notice a thing.
There's plenty of room for both camps in this crazy hobby.
Deb

Word, Deb.