[matp86]

Are significant improvements to be expected after cable burn-in?

I recently purchased some Monolith XLR cables from Monoprice and they sound like absolute garbage. Bass is bloated with static/crackling and with almost no impact. Treble is harsh and much more forward. I’ve had them running from my Ares II for about 20 hours now; there is zero improvement.

My RCA cables sound perfect in comparison.

The Ares II is connected to a Pathos Aurium that is not balanced, but has convenience XLR inputs.

So, how significant is cable burn-in? Could anyone speak to significant sound improvements after 100+ hours of burn-in? Or should I assume these are trash cables.

Product link: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=33837

Thanks.

 

[Craft Ears]

Cable burn-in can make a difference, but it won't change the sound completely. If you don't like it now, you probably won't after 100 hours.

What concerns me is the static/crackling. This shouldn't be there. Maybe there is an issue with the balanced connection you are currently using?

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

I my experience talking with many high-end audio product designers and builders, they often will not ship a product new, updated, or repaired until it has gone through a burn-in cycle.

Gear changes with electricity running through it. Cables change, sometimes significantly with a burn-in cycle.

IMHE, I have never met a cable that my Audiodharma cable cooker 2.5 Pro hasn’t sped up the settling in process of and helped flush out the true character of. The Hagerman FryBaby is another burner that has been incredibly valuable and a huge time saver for me.

If you where anywhere near me geographical, I’d be happy to offer to burn something for you.

I’m a burner.

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

Cable burn-in can make a difference, but it won't change the sound completely. If you don't like it now, you probably won't after 100 hours.

What concerns me is the static/crackling. This shouldn't be there. Maybe there is an issue with the balanced connection you are currently using?

So well said

 

[matp86]

Thanks guys.

After about 100+ hours the cables sound better, but they are still worse than my RCA’s. The static and crackling I was referring to seemed to be a consequence of distortion. Soundstage and dynamics have improved, while bass continues to be bloated and loose. Mid-bass punch sizzles.

RCA’s: Audioquest Evergreen
XLR’S: Monoprice Monolith

I understand these are entry level cables, but something is off with the XLR’s. I’m not sure if running a balanced DAC with XLR’s to an SE amplifier is causing the distortion. The RCA’s have been rather perfect, but I could not resist comparing an XLR connection, especially since the Ares II is known to sound better from the balanced outputs.

 

[matp86]

I my experience talking with many high-end audio product designers and builders, they often will not ship a product new, updated, or repaired until it has gone through a burn-in cycle.

Gear changes with electricity running through it. Cables change, sometimes significantly with a burn-in cycle.

IMHE, I have never met a cable that my Audiodharma cable cooker 2.5 Pro hasn’t sped up the settling in process of and helped flush out the true character of. The Hagerman FryBaby is another burner that has been incredibly valuable and a huge time saver for me.

If you where anywhere near me geographical, I’d be happy to offer to burn something for you.

I’m a burner.

I’ll keep burning away, and will report back after 200 hours.

 

[PorscheFanatic]

Currently doing a cable burn in for all of my Nordost Blue Heaven cables (Power cord, USB and XLR). Can't wait to hear the end result. =)

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

I’ll say that Craft Ears makes a good point. In my experience, burn-in only “polishes“ or fine tunes what character is already there. It will smooth out some harshness that can exist on a cable or some components that are new or haven’t been in regular use. It is not a cure all.

 

[Craft Ears]

I’ll say that Craft Ears makes a good point. In my experience, burn-in only “polishes“ or fine tunes what character is already there. It will smooth out some harshness that can exist on a cable or some components that are new or haven’t been in regular use. It is not a cure all.

Thanks. We think that it is the same with basically all-off audio devices. There are some exceptions to the rule, but the majority won't change their sound 180 degrees.

 

[Kweebs]

Hi everyone, I'm quite new to the whole iem/cable thing, and I recently bought my first "proper" iem, which is the Shure se215. To me, it did not sound very different from when I used my Airpods, but I heard that you can burn-in your cable/iem for more noticeable differences. Was wondering what the burn-in process is like. Would really appreciate it if any experienced audiophiles here could help me out.

 

[medon]

... Bass is bloated with static/crackling and with almost no impact. Treble is harsh and much more forward. I’ve had them running from my Ares II for about 20 hours now; there is zero improvement.

... this is nothing cable-burn in could cure, IMHO!
I would not waste any more time one these cables - and maybe risk damage to the equipment!

You run ONLY the XLRs into the amp, right? Denafrips DACs only want to have one output connected, either RCA or XLR.