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Breaking in new speakers

#22
This site can inspire 'sudden onset insanity. I probably read about it here and was thinking - Jeeze maybe there's sumpin' to it ...

Anyway I have a real small room bar date tonight. I'll just do my normal thing in there as it's a pretty quiet evening for us.

FWIW - I played a cd through 'em yesterday ad will today as well just to have both camps covered!
 
#23
A9X.

So speaking as an engineer, what disadvantage have I put my new cab at taking into account I had a full on jam with it last week, straight out of the box?

I play funk not death metal but still, I dialled in plenty of volume through those virgins 4x10's.

Do you mean it can damage them in theory, or you've actually come across them being damaged through not being broken in?
 
#24
A9X said:
Not to me (engineer speaking here). Speakers are an electrodynamic motor. Do you just get you new car and redline it? No, you run it in.
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:confused: I just purchased a new car. There is no breakin period required whatsover. This too is a 'leftover' myth (according to the Honda service center manager) from days when the machine tools, etc. where not as precise way back in the day. it is no longer the case.

Again, any speaker will be 'broken in' after a single gig. However, it sure does no harm to play at moderate levels for a few minutes just to make sure everything is OK. And of course, if it makes you feel better, play a CD through the speaker for a day... sure won't hurt:smug:
 
#25
NOT an engineer . . . but I think I have fairly well-trained ears - and I CAN hear a difference. (maybe it relates to the quality of gear listening through)

WARNING: I am also a card-carrying-member of the audiophile bent. ;) I also break in my cables- (same process as above). Just got replacement Cardas cables for my Sennheiser HD600 headphones. Broke them in for 12 hours with 'The Anointed Pace Sisters' (Gospel) - much smoother afterwards!
. . . and my neighbor (who owns a Toyota dealership) says 1000 miles break-in is GOOD PRACTICE!
 
#28
KJung said:
:confused: I just purchased a new car. There is no breakin period required whatsover. This too is a 'leftover' myth (according to the Honda service center manager) from days when the machine tools, etc. where not as precise way back in the day. it is no longer the case.
Click to expand...
I purchased a new motorcycle last year and received very specific instructions on how to run it in, including engine loading, speeds, duration and mileages.

Again, any speaker will be 'broken in' after a single gig. However, it sure does no harm to play at moderate levels for a few minutes just to make sure everything is OK. And of course, if it makes you feel better, play a CD through the speaker for a day... sure won't hurt:smug:
Click to expand...
My comments about speaker breakin are based upon measured differences in T/S parameters and distortion spectra, new out of the box, and after my break in routine on my jig. Percentage differences vary between manufacturer, and depending upon the compliance of the suspension. High efficiency, high power and/or long excursion drivers usually need quite a bit of time in normal use before the suspension reaches it's final 'equilibrium' compliance. A few minutes with a CD will not usually be anywhere near enough, or even a gig may not depending on the excursion of the driver (relative to it's Xmax) and the amplitude and frequencies input.
 
#29
ExaltBass said:
:p
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i see you have a sense of humor!
just chiming in here because i see you are into audio. hows this for broken in:
my main listening speakers are a set of AR-3s and a set of bozak rhapsodies from 1973. driven by an early 70's mcintosh mc 250. hows that for 'broken in'

the speakers are so natural and smooth, even after some 30+ years.
 
#31
Scalestein said:
The transmissions on new cars are supposed to be broken in. Drivers are advised to take it real easy the first 3000 miles or so.

I just bought a new pair of shoes that are gonna take some breaking in.


I agree that the builder should break them in before they ship, but then that would add to the cost of the unit; and you don't HAVE to break it in per say, just as long as you don't crank it to 11 and slam away right after you get it. Most speakers naturally break in over time through normal playing.
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+1

heck, i'm still trying to break in my new accord. *shrug*

again, while to my ears, there is a difference before and after i've broken in a set of speakers, for me these days, its about making sure they last the longest.

i usually use my iPod, and a few bass solo pieces, but i really like eutgard's jamman idea! :cool:
 
#32
KJung said:
:confused: I just purchased a new car. There is no breakin period required whatsover. This too is a 'leftover' myth (according to the Honda service center manager) from days when the machine tools, etc. where not as precise way back in the day. it is no longer the case.

Again, any speaker will be 'broken in' after a single gig. However, it sure does no harm to play at moderate levels for a few minutes just to make sure everything is OK. And of course, if it makes you feel better, play a CD through the speaker for a day... sure won't hurt:smug:
Click to expand...

again, i just got a new accord, and its in the manual. ;) something about being careful the first 600 miles to insure the longevity of the transmission and engine.
 
#34
I just bought Eminence BP102. I break them in playing moderate loud (livin' in flat) and with signal generator (15 to 30 Hz at high power, so the cone desplacement goes to 5 mm). I did not hear any difference before and after (in fact before and during, haven't finished yet).
 
#35
Download a free copy of TrueRTA and hook your computer sound card output to a power amp. Run TrueRTA at 30 Hz for 24 hours, 10 volts to the speakers. This will be nearly silent, as few bass cabs are capable of producing a 30 Hz tone. The 10v signal will move the cones, but no worries about over driving them.

This will give your drivers a nice break-in, and not tick off the neighbors or the Spousal Unit.
 
#36
...you plug your cables in backward so it reads RETSNOM. Then be sure you dip the cones in beer and play a record, yes an LP, backward for 30 sec. Then go on any audio sight or TB and complain that you can hear the difference. Then order more expensive cables and repeat. Then your speakers will be broken in. Typeing on TB has been known to cause very little break in of speakers.
 
#37
TobyPro4 said:
So speaking as an engineer, what disadvantage have I put my new cab at taking into account I had a full on jam with it last week, straight out of the box?
Click to expand...
None. If you had broken them in first they might have sounded a bit better, that's all.

OTOH, there are 'oddiophiles' who claim they can hear the difference in tone with different wall outlets, and whether or not they have been 'broken in'. :rolleyes:
 
#38
dave_p said:
i see you have a sense of humor!
just chiming in here because i see you are into audio. hows this for broken in:
my main listening speakers are a set of AR-3s and a set of bozak rhapsodies from 1973. driven by an early 70's mcintosh mc 250. hows that for 'broken in'

the speakers are so natural and smooth, even after some 30+ years.
Click to expand...

PROOF!!! :D My favorite speakers are 25+ years old - well broken it.

If this concept seems weird - then what is the 'magic' behind vintage pickups-wire-pots-electronics, etc.? (I fall on this side of this fence too . . . I think older stuff sounds great - NOT THE BEST - just GREAT) (My G-K1001RB-II kicks my '65 Showman's butt!)
 

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