burn-in of digital components - best source material?

[AlexM]

Hi Everyone,

I have a new CD player/DAC - the Cambridge Audio Azure 851c. Lets assume that one can accept that a CD player or DAC would benefit from burn in, what is the best programme material to use and why?.

I could imagine that white or pink noise at 0db might be more effective than a test tone, or music given that you are exercising the analogue stages at high level across the maximum frequency range, whereas music has its spectral energy focussed around the mid range.

Is it likely to make a difference whether it is continuous or pulsed?. It will be looping while I an away at work, so listenabiliy isn't an issue obviously!.

Another question - does it matter if my pre amp is on or not in terms of the impedance or capacitance that the CD player 'sees' .

I would be interested to hear what others think of this, and component burn-in in general.

Regards,
Alex

[StanleyB]

Hi Everyone,

I have a new CD player/DAC - the Cambridge Audio Azure 851c. Lets assume that one can accept that a CD player or DAC would benefit from burn in, what is the best programme material to use and why?.

If it is a CD player, I suggest that you use audio discs. Why? Because it won't play DVD discs.



I could imagine that white or pink noise at 0db might be more effective than a test tone, or music given that you are exercising the analogue stages at high level across the maximum frequency range, whereas music has its spectral energy focussed around the mid range.
A lot of assumptions there. If you do it a 0dB would that guarantee improved low signal level performance as well? Is like saying if you listen to music very loudly, you'll hear just as well afterwards at low level. I doubt that however. It's more than likely that your hearing will be muted at low level because it has had to adjust itself to high level listening only.
Assuming the components undergo the same process. that means they could be poor performers at low level. I would suggest a combination of varying dynamic range as the best method if you want to cure the components correctly.


Is it likely to make a difference whether it is continuous or pulsed?. It will be looping while I an away at work, so listenabiliy isn't an issue obviously!.
No idea, so give both a try.



Another question - does it matter if my pre amp is on or not in terms of the impedance or capacitance that the CD player 'sees' .
It's the CD player that you are burning in, not the amp.



I would be interested to hear what others think of this, and component burn-in in general.
I have made it a requirement for my DACs. I even mention it in the instruction sheet. Not sure if anyone else is that brave though. There are a lot of foo fighters and climate change deniers about.

[AlexM]

A lot of assumptions there. If you do it a 0dB would that guarantee improved low signal level performance as well? Is like saying if you listen to music very loudly, you'll hear just as well afterwards at low level. I doubt that however. It's more than likely that your hearing will be muted at low level because it has had to adjust itself to high level listening only.
Assuming the components undergo the same process. that means they could be poor performers at low level. I would suggest a combination of varying dynamic range as the best method if you want to cure the components correctly.



Lots of assumptions at work on my part here, as I have no idea how or why the 'burn-in' effect occurs. I did think that the spectral signature of pink noise may accelerate burn in as each octave has equivalent power. No idea whether a component such as a capacitor is conditioned to work 'better' at a certain level by passing signals at that level - honestly, who knows?.




I have made it a requirement for my DACs. I even mention it in the instruction sheet. Not sure if anyone else is that brave though. There is alot of foo fighters and climate change deniers about.

I'm open to accepting that it happens from my own experience, hence the questions, but no idea how it works or why?.

I know that there are 'degaussing' CDs, but had always dismissed the idea as unlikely to be provable.

[Reid Malenfant]

Hi Alex, I think you'll find that on any audio disc, bass will give you the biggest voltage swing, that is where the real power lays :)

If you measured the power versus frequency output of what I'd call a full range recording, you'll find that most voltage & thus power is in the bass range :cool:

[DSJR]

From a retailer's point of view, the best thing to do with ANY brand new CD player is to play it on repeat for 24 hours straight, using the longest CD you own (one or two are near the limit of 80 minutes). Why? Sod any potential change in sonics, but more importantly is the running in of the transport and any possible faults that may occur. I've had a small number of machines through my hands which failed in the first few hours of use, all replaced by the manufacturers or distributors in fairness.

As for sonic run-in, I reckon just leaving the things on for the first few days at least is probably all you'll need, as even in the stop mode, the circuits are powered I believe and only the output is muted..

[StanleyB]

No idea whether a component such as a capacitor is conditioned to work 'better' at a certain level by passing signals at that level - honestly, who knows?
They do. That's why there is a voltage rating on capacitors. If you got a 100V cap but only use it at 10V, it will perform far inferior than if you used a 16V cap in that same circuit.

[RichB]

Why worry about burn in, just play it regularly and enjoy the changes you hear as it forms a true character.

I personally enjoy the roller coaster ride. If the device fails then you have a warranty if its new.

[AlexM]

They do. That's why there is a voltage rating on capacitors. If you got a 100V cap but only use it at 10V, it will perform far inferior than if you used a 16V cap in that same circuit.

Stan, yes I get that but what I meant is does a variation in signal level aid burn-in in any way? If so, is there a reason behind this?.

I think I will just loop some well recorded music and leave it at that as it will be at least a week before I get to sit down and do some proper listening. I guess I.am interested in an explanation of the burn-in process and what is the optimum and fastest way to.get to the full performance a given circuit is capable of.

Regards,
Alex

[Gazjam]

Have a beer instead :)

[roob]

I think I will just loop some well recorded music and leave it at that
Will the quality of the music have an affect on the process?

[DSJR]

have a beer instead :)

how very true :)

[Stratmangler]

Will the quality of the music have an affect on the process?

Feed it the poorest quality recordings you have, otherwise it will become snobby and elitist :eyebrows:

[Mark Grant]

Will the quality of the music have an affect on the process?

Happy music leads to a longer life :)