[Steve Winkler]

Just curious to know the HTForum's opinions on this. Do receivers break in, and is it different for every one? Or do they basically sound they same right out of the box compared to months later??

I ask this also because I've been in the circus act of upgrading receivers. I had a Yamaha RX-V2300 for about a year and was very pleased with it's sound quality and performance. I "upgraded" to a Yamaha RX-V2400 for it's extra features, 7.1, component up conversion, flexible crossovers, Pro Logic IIx. I was however not as impressed with it for power and it didn't like my dth satellite audio, so I exchanged it for a RX-V3300 for roughly the same price. I've had the 3300 for about two weeks now and it somehow doesn't sound as open as my 2300. I'm starting to think it's just my ears, but wonder if it may have something to do with break in time.

Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

Thank You,

Steve

[Chu Gai]

Maybe you just be running out of power. I'm not up on the specs of your receiver (IOW what does it actually deliver in R/L) nor what you're using for speakers, room size, where you sit, listening volumes, etc. Further, you may be comparing different things each time. Why don't you discuss the above items and maybe we can point a finger in the general direction? BTW, I trust you weren't moving your speakers or where you sat or furniture each time.

[MichaelDDD]

This might not be as detailed a reply as you're looking for, but here's my $.02.

IMO, all electronics, particularly anything with a "power output" stage, like amplifiers need a break in period.

If for nothing else, to get the electronics (transistors in this case) used to power cycling. Getting used, getting heated up, cooling down and doing it all over again.

In my experiences, I've found that my HT receiver sounds a bit smoother after a good break in. To me, a good break in consists of several weeks, containing some easy tasks (background music) and a bit of a beating (pick an action flick and crank it).

I've no scientifically-based, oscilliscope tested proof for this, just my ears.

As always, YMMV. 2.2% financing only available on the first Monday of the month, when the moon is full. Extended warranty only valid if purchased during a leap year, by a man wearing a chicken suit.

[Chuck Kent]

I do not personally believe in solid state electronics having any break in (tubes are a different animal.) My feelings are that if we hear a difference in our setup over time, it's us that is changing our perceptions of that sound.

The perception of what we hear is a tricky thing. Unless comparisons are made under identical conditions (including us, the listener (meaning health, mood etc.)) all bets are off. Habits, preferences, wants and wishes are things that are difficult to completely filter out. Bottom line is that humans are not scientific instruments and we can't be relied on to be totally objective...

[Topher]

The power section of any electronics will have a small break in period to allow for power cycling, etc... however this would be very small and unnoticable to your ear. Shouldn't be anything that would affect sound quality. I agree with Chuck on one note though, it is probably a matter of perception and habit. When I got my new receiver I instantly fell in love with the sound, since I upgraded from a crappy RCA, my case was much more drastic than your own and easier to hear. It still took me a little while to get used to what I was hearing though.

[Steve Winkler]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm thinking it's mostly my ears and mood. I went through the minor trouble of hooking up my RX-V2300 (that I still own )to my main speakers ( Dahlquist QX-9's )and cd player last night. It sounds the same as my current RX-V3300. I have not changed a thing in the rest of the set-up. A/B'd between the two receivers using an SPL meter and the same music selections. That's as scientific as I can get.

Quite sure I didn't need the upgrade but it's too late now.

I may try out the front effects speakers the RX-V3300 allows for as soon as I pick up some more speaker wire and banana plugs. I can't set it up as per the Yamaha suggestions with the effects speakers outside the mains, but I'll give it a whirl any way.

Thanks for reading,

Steve

[Donnie Eldridge]

Perhaps you'd be better off comparing a different brand receiver? This may help chase the elusive sound that your after.

[AndrewErickson]

It took about a week for the heated plastic smell to dissipate from my HK receiver. Considering how warm HK's run, I would call that a "burn in" period.

[BrianAe]

Quote:

Perhaps you'd be better off comparing a different brand receiver? This may help chase the elusive sound that your after.

I think he'd be better off chasing a different set of speakers or looking at his positioning and room treatments.

[Stephen Weller]

IMHO, there is no break in. There is a burn in. Sometimes done at the factory. Sometimes done by the consumer. The purpose is to flush out any early life failures.

[MikeRP]

I don't think there is anything but burn in also.

However, speakers are the opposite opinion for me.

Mike

[Stephen Weller]

Quote:

However, speakers are the opposite opinion for me.

I agree. Only because a speaker is an electro-mechanical device. The end result is imperceptible to me.

So how long does it take to break in a speaker?