What's the best way to break a system in?

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited October 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
I always hear that electronics need to be broken in, what's the best way to do this?

With my Odyssey amp and new Cambridge Audio 840C, I'm told there are extremely long break in times. Is there a way to maximize efficiency and decrease the time of break in? What's the best way to get the job done?

Mike
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited October 2007
    Some people use test tones......

    I just leave it on playing on repeat. I do believe in electronics break in. 100 hours is what I usually think it requires. No measures or any technical data can be provided as proof of this.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    Can you just play the music or does it need to be at a certain level?
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited October 2007
    Just listen to music when you get time and enjoy yourself.
    Never Forget
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited October 2007
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Can you just play the music or does it need to be at a certain level?

    I place a CD on repeat, set the volume to like 8:00 on the attenuator and let her rip for a couple of weeks.

    I have to breakin my cartridge and tonearm wire. The cartridge needs around 70 hours which I just have to play records until it loosens up. However, the tonearm wires are a **** because the voltage going through them is .24 mV that will take a long time.

    JM1 has devised a method of using an old tuner connected up to the tonearm wire for burnin purpose.
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2007
    Mike, I have a custom built CDP breakin machine, just send me the 840 and I will send it back to you within 24-36 months fully broken in. Guaranteed or your money back :)

    I would let them play for 8-10 hours a day at low volumes, either a cd or just the tuner. Perhaps while you are at work or school. I would shut them down at night so they get a chance to cool down. I have heard that using test tones or white noise when breaking in speakers is a bad idea, but I do not see how it can be negative on a CDP or an amp.
    Venom
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    I've did plan on leaving them on regularly before I go to work and school . . . wasn't sure if they needed cooling time. Good point.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,644
    edited October 2007
    That Odyssey is MORE than broken in -- lol

    It broke in fully about 4 months ago...

    I played that thing about every day for 2 hours...

    You are good to go!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    venomclan wrote: »
    Mike, I have a custom built CDP breakin machine, just send me the 840 and I will send it back to you within 24-36 months fully broken in. Guaranteed or your money back :)
    Venom


    Can I give you my speakers too? I'll pay for shipping:) I'm told equipment breaks in better in places that have hurricane seasons. . . . something about the pressure changes and flooding mixed with lightning.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    I'm gearing up for my 840C. Everything I read says this thing takes forever to break-in. I want it done and over!
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2007
    Send it to me. I'll play it & enjoy it & not worry about any damn break in! By the time it is broken in I'll probably will have gone through my entire cd collection TWICE!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited October 2007
    Unless it's a tubed unit where you need to watch tube life, I don't think leaving it on at all times will have any negative impact. The pre I just got does not even have the option of being turned off, unless you unplug it. It is either on or stand by, which keeps all circuits warm and ready.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Send it to me. I'll play it & enjoy it & not worry about any damn break in! By the time it is broken in I'll probably will have gone through my entire cd collection TWICE!

    Why's everyone trying to takemy stuff! Hands off punks.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2007
    :D This is just our way of telling you to sit down, shut up & enjoy your new toy without worrying about break in!:p;):D
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Why's everyone trying to takemy stuff! Hands off punks.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2007
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Can I give you my speakers too? I'll pay for shipping:) I'm told equipment breaks in better in places that have hurricane seasons. . . . something about the pressure changes and flooding mixed with lightning.

    Good idea, I think the ADA's float well, I can place them on their side and float down the block if needed. Besides, you need a high-humidity environment to truly break gear in....
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2007
    Until I joined this group of whackos, I had never heard the term break in, didn't know what it was for or anything. Somehow I managed to enjoy all my new toys just fine.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2007
    Ricardo wrote: »
    Unless it's a tubed unit where you need to watch tube life, I don't think leaving it on at all times will have any negative impact. The pre I just got does not even have the option of being turned off, unless you unplug it. It is either on or stand by, which keeps all circuits warm and ready.

    I agree, but imho, I think the transport in the 840 being a moving part, is built with a limited amount of cycles. A cool down session may help. Just for the actual spinning, not just powering on.
    Venom
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    location-sound-02-l.jpg

    I heard there is a hurricane coming your way. Here's me setting up my new 840C . . . do you think I will have the same chance of getting hit by lightining if I use Signal Ultra Cables or should I go with the Silver? Does wire matter?
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  • Music Joe
    Music Joe Posts: 459
    edited October 2007
    congrats on the 840c! Two full sets of inputs AND dual differential at a very attractive price. Hope you post a review :D

    That Player/Dac gives me an excuse to hold off a Benchmark buy.
    Gives hope of a Player/Dac/Pre with multiple inputs becoming reality...someday soon maybe.

    As an aside you could use Squeeze network SomaFM- blips n beats station to run in the inputs/dac/output. That station sounds like a breakin signal.
    "The Web is a monoblog"
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    I bought my 840C 6 weeks used off A'gon for $1000. Not a bad price at all.
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,066
    edited October 2007
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I always hear that electronics need to be broken in, what's the best way to do this?

    With my Odyssey amp and new Cambridge Audio 840C, I'm told there are extremely long break in times. Is there a way to maximize efficiency and decrease the time of break in? What's the best way to get the job done?

    Mike

    I like using an aluminum bat. It works real well. A sledgehammer works too :D.
    Just play some classical music or movie soundtracks on the cambridge audio
    About 750-1000 hrs should be enough. Make sure the cds you're using have alot of dynamic range. Any telarc recordings will do nicely ;).
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

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    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,554
    edited October 2007
    Pink noise and lots of it. Just look what it did to Spec K's brain.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    "I am a world renowned audio master guru . . . come suckle on my tweeter and bow before me your man God!" - Ka7niq
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited October 2007
    Who dat say Hurricanes funny. LOL

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2007
    I heard there is a hurricane coming your way. Here's me setting up my new 840C . . . do you think I will have the same chance of getting hit by lightining if I use Signal Ultra Cables or should I go with the Silver? Does wire matter?[/QUOTE]

    Pure silver should conduct the electricity better, thus stopping you heart faster. But think about how good it will sound....Here is a bucket of water for you to stand in, just sign these estate papers leaving the 840 to me.:D
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited October 2007
    Ricardo wrote: »
    Unless it's a tubed unit where you need to watch tube life, I don't think leaving it on at all times will have any negative impact. The pre I just got does not even have the option of being turned off, unless you unplug it. It is either on or stand by, which keeps all circuits warm and ready.

    All my gear remains on 24 X 7. My preamp is powered the same as yours. My preamp & DAC manuals advise to keep the gear on at all times.

    To the burnin naysayers; when I sent my Spectral preamp back to the factory for repair and refurbishing, the engineer who did the work, did a one week around the clock burnin of the preamp. Now I would find it hard to believe that these people who make these awesome pieces of gear would waste their time burning something in if it was a waste of time.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited October 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    All my gear remains on 24 X 7. My preamp is powered the same as yours. My preamp & DAC manuals advise to keep the gear on at all times.

    To the burnin naysayers; when I sent my Spectral preamp back to the factory for repair and refurbishing, the engineer who did the work, did a one week around the clock burnin of the preamp. Now I would find it hard to believe that these people who make these awesome pieces of gear would waste their time burning something in if it was a waste of time.

    Nay, I say!:p I just can't believe that electronics or cables have to burn in. I need evidence. Speakers I have no problem believing.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited October 2007
    Wingnut, I didn't either until I got the Rega Apollo. It really started to get sweeter after about a week or so of as much play as I could give it. Hasn't changed since then. I never power her down unless I take it to someone's house. Hooda thunk? :eek:

    Personally, I think it may just be related to the resolution of a system as to audilbly being able to hear a change. I've had well over 25-39 CDP's [most of them lower cost] and I only noticed it with the Rega. The Denon I gots was already used as a floor model, so I can't comment on any change there.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited October 2007
    I started believing in electronics break in with my first crossover upgrade. It took probably 200 hours of play to get them to where they got.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • del44
    del44 Posts: 686
    edited October 2007
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I bought my 840C 6 weeks used off A'gon for $1000. Not a bad price at all.

    So, what do you think of it now? I've had mine for 10 weeks or so. I also bought mine used from the "gon". Seems like the sound has really opened up alot in the last couple of weeks. It's like a fine wine, that gets better with age.:D
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2007
    Haven't received mine yet. Still waiting to get it.
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