This topic is going in a 'slightly' different direction than what I hoped for ;-)

I am aware of the fact that one ('s ears) can get used to a different sound during some time, but when I mentioned the lack of depth and and harshness I found it out with simple A to B comparison with my old DAC + preamp. It is also well known that (electrolytic) capacitors tend to 'perform' better after 'some' working hours. I was hoping that other people have found similar results. My remark was also aimed at people who (mis)judged their 950 immediately after unpacking. Problem is, this 'evolution' occurs only once, and cannot be repeated again.
Loudspeakers exhibit the same problem, due to the suspension of the drivers beeing a bit 'stiff' and need time to reach their final 'stiffness'.
So anybody else want to let know after how much hours of playing time their 950 reached its maximum in audio-performance? I still would like to hear from other people.

Regards,

Reinier Bauer
http://beamer.xs4all.nl
P.S. my car is running fine!

I agree with what you are saying Reinier in that a little time on the 950 may make a difference. I did notice some of what you are saying when I first installed the 950. But any "harsh and flat with no depth" sounds went away after calibration, small changes in speaker placements, and some other minor room tweaks. I attributed any changes I noticed to the above, but I would not rule out the "burn-in" theory. I'm on the fence when it comes to this issue, though, I just don't know.

"This topic is going in a 'slightly' different direction than what I hoped for ;-)"

It seems all over the net 950 threads never go the direction you intended. At least you said it with a smile!

I wonder if a little bit of current might also run all the time through some other circuits when in stand by mode, as is done for TV's, or not.

I don't know anything about capacitors or internal combustion engines, but I can say my 950 sounds better 2-3 weeks after I got it. It wasn't in continuous service, so I can't give you hours. I can also say this is consistent with my experience with a number high quality CD players--you open the box turn it on and think "what have I done?" and after a few weeks they smooth out.

I have heard stories where dealers refuse to take returns until after you listen for a few weeks because they think as you listen more to the electronics, you will like it more. The theory being the ear likes sounds it is familiar with and recognizes.

Another spin is the ear over time gets "educated" to better sound. The ear "learns" to like familiar sounds.

Let's not forget the nose. If something smells bad at first the nose is offended. Later, the nose loses sensitivity to the smell.

It's a real blessing when around smelly diapers!

[This message has been edited by Will (edited October 07, 2002).]

My 950 sounds better after 2 weeks, because I finally figured out a lot of the quirks the remote has...

Sorry I get distracted easily. I guess if I had a 950 for awhile and then traded it in for a red dot or something, I would be able to hear a difference. But when I got my 950 I spent a lot of time trying different things, settings, cables, speaker placement, trying to figure out the remote, etc. I don't think I had the where-with-all during all of this to notice a change, that I believe, would be very subtle. If you add to the equasion that the change occurs over many hours of operation and the possiblity that some people may have changed out additional components such as DVD players and amplifiers. Well, I don't think you're going to find many who notice this difference, although I am sure it exists to some degree.

Way OT: The reason your "dealer friend" said to not worry about breaking in the car is the motor is cold run in at the factory. This solves many of the issues related to valve seating etc since they run a specific set of liquids in the engines for a set amount of time. Say 12 hours. Then put in the normal liquids, gas it up and run on a dyno. Then put the engine in the chassis and drive it on a test track.

In the old days, you might even find machining shavings in the oil or in other places when you get your car.

As far as breakin for equipment goes. I think there is a definite difference in sound new vs been there for a while. I just turn it all on, leave, and come back 3 days later after trips and it sounds great.

"after burning it in with a dvd on repeat..."

has anyone checked the temp of their 950 who leaves it on like that? mine seems to run HOT. i keep it in standby when not in use for this reason.