ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
As many of you know, I do quite a lot of listening to LPs on this system:
BG4002, professionally serviced last summer (new caps, new motor, new trim pots, new belt), with Soundsmith SMCC20EN purchased new last summer (recently increased price by $70, by the way)
BM4000, professionally serviced last summer (new caps, new trim pots, new transistors)
Beovox M70, refurbished by me last spring (new caps, new resistors, new wiring, some additional mods)
I swear this system sounds better and better as the days go by. So I ask: is this improvement real, or am I just getting used to the sound of my system?
Does burn-in improve the sound of your stereo? Or do we just start believing the distortion and quirks of our own systems are "how it's supposed to sound" once we're used to it?
Over at diyaudio.com, it's fairly common to read in discussions that, to use one example, a certain Fostex driver won't reach it's full potential until several hundred hours of play. I was wondering if any Beoworlders had any opinions on this subject.
I think you are getting used to the sound of your system. I do not really believe in burn in time though I did feel my Beolab 3s got better with play time. Again, I think this was due to me getting used to their sound.
Hi-Fi magazines are very keen on burn in - but double blind trials do not show an ability to tell new and items subjected to burn in apart. See here! And here!!
Peter
I've seen the ten myths article before, many times actually.
I'm a fan of Hawthorne Stereo's advice, especially with regard to system setup, a bit less so with regard to system hierarchy.
My favorite note on system setup from Hawthorne is: "Drape wires loosely and avoid sharp bends and tight bundles." I wish I had a nickel for every time I read on Beoworld: "Great system, but do something about those cables!" I don't mind the web of cables our hobby requires. Indeed, some times there is a certain beauty associated with them, IMHO.
I don't believe that there is such a thing as burn in. I have owned some Penta II's for a couple months now and they too are sounding better to me than when I first got them! If they really had improved, then they should blow all other speakers out of the water lol!
There is another thing I want to add - B&O is not all about burn in, audiophile grade components and oxygen free cable, it is about enjoying music to the maximum without the worry of all that! It provides an unrivalled interface with a natural sound and beautiful styling - what more could you want :)
Olly
I definitely believe in burn-in/break in!
The most noticeable burn in I ever noticed was Todd's refurbed RL60.2s. Immediately after recapping them, we both had a listen. Even though they did instantly improve with the new caps they didn't sound as great as they should almost as if they were a little tense. During those few weeks of listening that followed I found myself more and more blown away. It seems the speakers relaxed and became much much more smooth. Mind you, all of this was before the driver change!
Its hard to describe, but they were definitely better with use!
I will also admit, I have also experienced getting used to speakers and equipment before.
Beo4 'til I die!
Another aspect to consider will be the cartridge, which will sound a bit more polished after a few hours' use. No black magic here, just mechanics!
Woofers will also, for mechanical reasons, get a bit more supple and this will affect bass quality, which will be less dry than when new from factory, or just re-foam'd.
Well, one man's opinion eh!
Jacques
I think there might be some truth to woofers, but don't think the solid? capacitors etc will really change or "know" they have been used.
Much to do with human psychology though!
Too long to list....
bayerische: I think there might be some truth to woofers, but don't think the solid? capacitors etc will really change or "know" they have been used. Much to do with human psychology though!
Amen to that!
Vähintään yhdeksänkymmentä prosenttia suomalainen!
beocool: bayerische: I think there might be some truth to woofers, but don't think the solid? capacitors etc will really change or "know" they have been used. Much to do with human psychology though! Amen to that!
How's the Minttu?!
bayerische: beocool: bayerische: I think there might be some truth to woofers, but don't think the solid? capacitors etc will really change or "know" they have been used. Much to do with human psychology though! Amen to that! How's the Minttu?!
Yesterday's minttukaakao was great. Haven't had one today.
I think there is something to burn in - at least for newly refoamed woofers. I noticed the bass on my CX-50s was very weak until I had a few dozen hours on them. Then the bass became much more pronounced over a very short period of time. However, my refoamed CX-75s sounded good right from the start, so it's probably not an absolute.
Dom
2x BeoSystem 3, BeoSystem 5000, BeoSystem 6500, 2x BeoMaster 7000, 2 pair of BeoLab Penta mk2, AV 7000, Beolab 4000, BeoSound 4000, Playmaker, BeoLab 2500, S-45, S-45.2, RL-140, CX-50, C-75, 3x CX-100, 3x MCL2 link rooms, 3x Beolab 2000, M3, P2, Earset, A8 earphones, A3, 2x 4001 relay, H3, H3 ANC, H6, 2014 Audi S5 with B&O sound, and ambio