Do speakers need to be run in? Discuss

[mikmas]

When I first got my hearing aid it sounded loud and distorted even on the lowest volume. The specialist who tuned it told me this was perfectly normal but would improve with time. Nothing to do with the device at all but my brain accommodating to the new situation and adapting the 'stereo' image and frequency distribution accordingly. Sure enough, once the grey cells had enough time to 'burn in' everything sounded fine.

Not denying that mechanical components need time to reach potential just that the marvellous work of our mind should never be underestimated

[fatmarley]

I bought some new Kef Coda 8s back in 90s and I could have swore blind that they started off a bit thin and shut-in. Only took an hour or so to open up.

[kirstysdad]

Yes.
Leave them on and go out to work. For 3-4 days. Don't listen.
The same applied to headphones, except you can put them in a drawer.
The difficulty is you can't remember accurately how you though they ought to sound after you auditioned them in a shop with different acoustics...
The reality is that they also sound different on different days at different temperature and humidities.
Not even taking account of your mood...

[kirstysdad]

I bought some new Kef Coda 8s back in 90s and I could have swore blind that they started off a bit thin and shut-in. Only took an hour or so to open up.

Did you use a chain saw?

[Clive197]

Just a update re the D7's.

They have now been playing for 47hrs and I can't tell any difference to when they came out the box. My ears had a 8 day head start with the loan pair. Fantastic speakers with stunning imaging and dynamics. Detail is also something to behold.

Clive

[agk]

...and that's the important thing right there. Happy listening man.

[Clive197]

Ok, Ok now run for 65 hrs and there does seem to be a difference. Bass seems to have developed a further Octave. Interestingly the loan pair were not as run in as previously thought as they did not produce this new found low bass.

The CD I used to run-in the speakers when not in the house or in bed was track 2 of the Isotek Full System Enhancer & Rejuvenation Disc. I reckon about 40hrs.