So Mr. (or Ms.) ‘Civilian, what would you prefer? Hmm? Go on, tell me.

[lurcher]

One of the arguments that I have seen put against "running in" is the idea that it always gets better, you would expect some things to sound worst with use. I have heard exactly that taking place, change to a circuit sounding good at first but with time changing and becoming unpleasant so discarded for another.

I have found amorphous core transformers have some very strange burn in properties, I am sure I have heard them change audibly from one state to another in the process of listening to a few minutes music, only seems to happen once, but I suspect it actually happens to both chans at different times but you only notice the second one changing.

I do wonder if just age itself improves the sound of components, and thats part of the reason for the sound of NOS parts, maybe a release of internal stress over time. Though it may be the process takes a lot longer if its not used.

[Togil]

I would ask the doubters of the familiarity issue :

Have you never felt that
1. second-hand gear has a burning in period ?

2. gear burns in even though no music has been played ?

[Marco]

Hans,

To answer your two questions:

'Burning-in' is different from 'warming up'. Second-hand gear is already 'burnt-in' but when bought will be 'cold' and require to be 'warmed up' before optimum performance is realised. The 'warming up' process should take no longer than an hour or so before equipment is fully on song, and then if left switched on will always be ready to perform optimally.

Gear 'burns-in' simply by being plugged into the mains. Music does not require being played in order for this process to occur, although it may speed up the process.

I hope this helps explain your concerns regarding these phenomena

Marco.

[Steve Toy]

Burn in

CD transports need to actually spin, wiring needs a signal and speakers definitely need a signal going through them to burn in unless your mains/transformers are really really noisy.

Warm up

Kit only needs to be switched on but speakers still need a signal running through them.

[StanleyB]

Some components such as electrolytic capacitors require burn in. Even if you have had an amp for years, if you don't use it for a while you have to keep an eye on the caps. They dry out internally and can rupture or explode if you try to use them at full stretch without a burn in.

Many laser pickups need a burn n period, and a warm up one as well. As a matter of fact, a laser pickup has to be used on a regular basis, otherwise it wears out quicker.

A good friend of mine described the difference between burn in and warm up in a very adult manner. Burn in is when the young lady is as yet 'untouched' and needs some time to get the hang of things.
Warm up is when she needs encouragement to do the dirty deed...

[John]

A good friend of mine described the difference between burn in and warm up in a very adult manner. Burn in is when the young lady is as yet 'untouched' and needs some time to get the hang of things.
Warm up is when she needs encouragement to do the dirty deed...

hahaha