running in an amplifier

[schwarzman]

I've just bought a headphone amplifier-- Xcan V8.
My knowledgable salesman whom I trust said I need 100 hrs to run it in.
Do I need to play music through the amp to run it in, or it just needs to be left on for 100 hrs?
(I can't ask the salesman because he's gone on vacation)

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by schwarzman

I've just bought a headphone amplifier-- Xcan V8.
My knowledgable salesman whom I trust said I need 100 hrs to run it in.
Do I need to play music through the amp to run it in, or it just needs to be left on for 100 hrs?
(I can't ask the salesman because he's gone on vacation)

Two ways...either simply leave it turned on,or use it,play music through it and enjoy it,then turn off between times.

100 hours goes quite quickly,and there really isn't any special way to do this,or any one way that's best.

There are also many people who will tell you it really doesn't matter.

[pbirkett]

I dont think it matters by and large, but for tube amps i'm not sure. I've only ever think i've heard burn in with regards to drive units. That said I had a new X-Can v3 once and cant recall hearing any difference after the supposed "burn-in".

[alexs2]

Originally Posted by pbirkett

I dont think it matters by and large, but for tube amps i'm not sure. I've only ever think i've heard burn in with regards to drive units. That said I had a new X-Can v3 once and cant recall hearing any difference after the supposed "burn-in".

I think that for tubed amps and a number of Class A S/s amps,warm-up to operating temperature is very important,but burn-in is a completely different matter.

For instance my Krells sound flat and lifeless until warmed up,and the Cary doesnt sound at it's best for a while either.

Some tubes do sound better after a few hours,but like you,I'm not convinced that 100 hours is necessary.

One exception is devices containing Black Gate caps,which definitely do improve over a significant time,and also benefit from being left on...don't worry about the XCans in that respect.

[BigTone]

The best thing to do is use it! The most suitable route is to switch it on in the evening and leave it on till bedtime, playing music when you listen etc, they really prefer to be left on for a long period, rather than swiching on/off all the time.

BT