Burn-in revisited

10 days is a quarter to a third into the burn-in period. The initial bass is a bit flabby and the electrolytic capacitors responsible for it are now reaching their fully formed condition (the unanodized slit edges of the foils are now becoming coated). However, the metal film resistors require much more time and also the ceramic multilayer capacitors that stabilise the circuit (references available for evidence if required). Film capacitors also require a considerable time to reach their maximum insulation resistance. The resistors and capacitors each have their own temperature coefficients which change with time. It will have reached a much better state within 21 or so days and will continue to improve but by then the changes will not be so apparent.

Some headphones are bass light - some are neutral - some are bass orientated. Most headphones from new will not sound right for a couple of months. I found the AKG 701 took 6 months. The old Sennheiser HD250 II took around three, however, not having the "following" on the forums, its initial sound led to its downfall, whereas the 701 received much forgiveness. The torch and pitchfork brigade tend to rule people's minds.

Headphones seem to respond to warmth - try keeping them in an airing cupboard or at some similar temperature... try the greenhouse if you have one (but watch out for spiders and insects getting in the earpieces... )

Is there really a noticible difference if you've not burned in a preamp? If so, do you supply them already burnt in ;)

Edited by abjacobs - 16 Jun 2011 at 6:30pm

suede wrote: Does anyone have any solid facts on cable burn in, is it in any way scientifically plausable or just pure bosh? I have recently changed the rca cables running from my amplifier tape loop to my Solo UL and since it hasn't fully burned in yet I can't really tell if any changes are completely due to the headphone amp burn in or if there is some hocus pocus going on in the cables as wll. Also would any signal direction noted on cables matter at all since the current running through is AC?

I would also be interested in the reply to this.