Speaker "break-in" period - fact or myth

[Flagrum_3]

yah the energy sub is awesome, cheap in price but pumps out really amazing sound and can handle alot of power, alot higher than what it is rated.

how long do i have to wait before i can crank it up and what level should i play them at now??

No burn in is required, drivers are "Burned-in" at the factory. I worked for API in Markham for a bit, makers of Mirage, Energy, Sound Dynamics etc;. All drivers were run thru QA where they applied a sine wave signal, all frequencies and a frequency equivalent to the drivers air resonance at amplitude for about 10seconds....All manufacturers do the same.....I cranked my system from day 1, seven years later still cranking with no issues.

_3

[113GT]

No burn in is required, drivers are "Burned-in" at the factory. I worked for API in Markham for a bit, makers of Mirage, Energy, Sound Dynamics etc;. All drivers were run thru QA where they applied a sine wave signal, all frequencies and a frequency equivalent to the drivers air resonance at amplitude for about 10seconds....All manufacturers do the same.....I cranked my system from day 1, seven years later still cranking with no issues.

_3

ITs crazy because there is so much contradicting information going on here. Some people say burn in is required and some say not, some are sound engineers some worked for speaker companies and some have done audio installs for a while.

It's like the topic of breaking in the engine, some say it's nit really needed while others say it's extremely important.

God damn lol

[Flagrum_3]

ITs crazy because there is so much contradicting information going on here. Some people say burn in is required and some say not, some are sound engineers some worked for speaker companies and some have done audio installs for a while.

It's like the topic of breaking in the engine, some say it's nit really needed while others say it's extremely important.

God damn lol

Well I worked at API (Audio Products International), makers of some of the best speakers in the world. I was friends with Ian Paisley Vice President of Energy, Mirage and one of the most prominent Speaker design engineers in the world. Designer/ inventor of the Mirage bi-polar speaker. I spent alot of time picking his brain about speaker design, theory etc; ....I can tell you without a doubt that speaker 'Break-in' is a myth as it is done by the manufacturer before it can pass QA...Every single speaker.

_3

[113GT]

Well I worked at API (Audio Products International), makers of some of the best speakers in the world. I was friends with Ian Paisley Vice President of Energy, Mirage and one of the most prominent Speaker design engineers in the world. Designer/ inventor of the Mirage bi-polar speaker. I spent alot of time picking his brain about speaker design, theory etc; ....I can tell you without a doubt that speaker 'Break-in' is a myth as it is done by the manufacturer before it can pass QA...Every single speaker.

_3


then why do some manufacturers say in the manual that some break in period may be required.

[Flagrum_3]

then why do some manufacturers say in the manual that some break in period may be required.

Well I would guess 'Some' companies may not have a stringent Quality Assurance Department...Like some inferior overseas manufacturers maybe. All speakers I've ever purchased (plus what I learned at API) have never had a "warning label" stating a break-in period is required..and I've owned alot of different speakers over the years....Furthermore; that is what QA is for! They must test every single speaker for quality and the only way is to run it thru it's paces which will ensure the cones, surrounds, integrity etc; are good and whilst doing this, the speaker is broken in.

_3

[113GT]

Well I would guess 'Some' companies may not have a stringent Quality Assurance Department...Like some inferior overseas manufacturers maybe. All speakers I've ever purchased (plus what I learned at API) have never had a "warning label" stating a break-in period is required..and I've owned alot of different speakers over the years....Furthermore; that is what QA is for! They must test every single speaker for quality and the only way is to run it thru it's paces which will ensure the cones, surrounds, integrity etc; are good and whilst doing this, the speaker is broken in.

_3

100% sure Pioneer has a pretty good QA in place.

It's like saying that when you get a new car, it's already broken in. The manufacturer states 1000 km to be easy on it and then you're good but you don't get max MPG or performance until 10k or 20k....

I dont think that companies run the speakers long enough to fully "break them in".

I noticed that my speakers didn't have much bass when turning off the sub or mids....but slowly by slowly they are appearing and are getting pretty punchy.

My Infinity Reference 6030CS I used to have did not have this "issue" and i put it in " " because it is not really an issue, just lack of a better word, since the cone material and materials were softer per say. The cone had more movement and flexed easier right out of the box.

The Pioneers are reaaaaallllyyyyy stiff speakers which over time loosen up more and give better response overall. Everything just smooths out. After about 10 hours I am noticing this difference. My amp is not set up to my likings yet since I did not have much time to properly tune my system since I got it.

My ear didn't get used to it since I am only in the car for 2 hours a day and listen to my MP3 player and girlfriends speakers in her car during the day as well....

we shall see if it smooths out even more. I don;t know how to properly tune the system so i am having my installer do this for me next week.

[Flagrum_3]

100% sure Pioneer has a pretty good QA in place.

It's like saying that when you get a new car, it's already broken in. The manufacturer states 1000 km to be easy on it and then you're good but you don't get max MPG or performance until 10k or 20k....

I dont think that companies run the speakers long enough to fully "break them in".

I noticed that my speakers didn't have much bass when turning off the sub or mids....but slowly by slowly they are appearing and are getting pretty punchy.

My Infinity Reference 6030CS I used to have did not have this "issue" and i put it in " " because it is not really an issue, just lack of a better word, since the cone material and materials were softer per say. The cone had more movement and flexed easier right out of the box.

The Pioneers are reaaaaallllyyyyy stiff speakers which over time loosen up more and give better response overall. Everything just smooths out. After about 10 hours I am noticing this difference. My amp is not set up to my likings yet since I did not have much time to properly tune my system since I got it.

My ear didn't get used to it since I am only in the car for 2 hours a day and listen to my MP3 player and girlfriends speakers in her car during the day as well....

we shall see if it smooths out even more. I don;t know how to properly tune the system so i am having my installer do this for me next week.


Comparing a vehicle break-in period to a speakers 'probable' break-in is just illogical, sorry. There is no comparison. So basically a poor choice of analogy on your part.

If you were to understand better how a speaker is manufactured, it's components and how they work, you would better understand that a 'driver' itself has very little to "break-in". You can go on believing what you like, but I've told you straight from what I learned from an 'expert' in the field of speaker design engineering. I'd tend to believe his word over all the nonsense on the internet....Furthermore, as I've stated before in the decades that I have purchased speakers and bought many brands, I have still to read in their manuals a disclaimer of or mention of a break-in period.

_3

[113GT]

Comparing a vehicle break-in period to a speakers 'probable' break-in is just illogical, sorry. There is no comparison. So basically a poor choice of analogy on your part.

If you were to understand better how a speaker is manufactured, it's components and how they work, you would better understand that a 'driver' itself has very little to "break-in". You can go on believing what you like, but I've told you straight from what I learned from an 'expert' in the field of speaker design engineering. I'd tend to believe his word over all the nonsense on the internet....Furthermore, as I've stated before in the decades that I have purchased speakers and bought many brands, I have still to read in their manuals a disclaimer of or mention of a break-in period.

_3

while i respect your point of view, an "expert" may have different views and theories as well...

alot of experts can say contradictory statements, doesn't mean they are always right.

everything must be taken with a grain of salt and my speaker break in analogy to engine break in....you missed my point. My point was, some say no break in and some say break in is required, same for the speaker world....so yes my analogy, though concerning 2 very different things, are a good comparison.

[113GT]

Im going to try and look for it but there are a few manufacturers who say there is a a 100 hour break in period necessary for optimal performance of your speakers. Not every company will say this but why would they say it if it is completely not true? let me research the name a bit, i know they are a very high end speaker company but can't think of it now....

[Flagrum_3]

while i respect your point of view, an "expert" may have different views and theories as well...

alot of experts can say contradictory statements, doesn't mean they are always right.

everything must be taken with a grain of salt and my speaker break in analogy to engine break in....you missed my point. My point was, some say no break in and some say break in is required, same for the speaker world....so yes my analogy, though concerning 2 very different things, are a good comparison.

If you can't take the word of a World leader in speaker Engineering/Design and Innovation, who's word will you take? ...

I think there has been a misconseption or better said; things have been misconstrued, whereas it is or was a common idea that speakers tend to 'loosen up' or 'soften up' lending to a 'warmer', smoother sound over time and it may be true but mostly for home speakers, applying to the resonance of their cabinets. This somehow I believe got misinterpreted into speakers needing to be broken in....thats my theory.

_3

[dave2010GT]

I've been following this and figured I'd chime in here.

I have to agree with Flagrum, working for a car aftermarket company car speakers do not need a break in period, they don't get warmer or anything like that after constant using (I only find that theory to be true with high end car subwoofers).

I think what you guys have been talking about refers more to home speakers that can speakers. Home theatre speakers need 24 to 40 hours of constant play back at low to mid volume which as Flagrum mentioned applies to the resonance of the cabinets.

Essentially car speakers don't need to be broken in, they will sound the same from day 1 to day 365 and so on.


If you can't take the word of a World leader in speaker Engineering/Design and Innovation, who's word will you take? ...

I think there has been a misconseption or better said; things have been misconstrued, whereas it is or was a common idea that speakers tend to 'loosen up' or 'soften up' lending to a 'warmer', smoother sound over time and it may be true but mostly for home speakers, applying to the resonance of their cabinets. This somehow I believe got misinterpreted into speakers needing to be broken in....thats my theory.

_3

[Kris]

There is alot of mis-information on this thread. I wanted to chime in as i have had a little experience in this field.

I have competed and won 2 Canadian IASCA SQ Finals 1000+ category and also competed and judged several IASCA sanctioned events. For those who do not know what IASCA is, pls visit www.Iasca.com alot of helpful and good info their.

113GT - First of nice clean install. Its a basic setup but im sure its effective from what you are telling us.

BREAK IN PERIOD OF ANY DRIVER WILL BE REQUIRED - If someone at API tells you otherwise, perhaps they need to go back to engineering school.

Think of any speaker (subwoofer / mid bass / 6 x 9's etc) the basic design is almost the same no matter what speaker manufacturer you buy from. You have a cone / surround / basket / voice coil and motor assembly. The motor assembly is what needs to be broken in, that ripple shaped round disc that sits below the cone of the speaker and int he middle of the basket ontop of the magnet assembly is the part that you break in. After sufficient use and proper break in - that "spider" will soften up and become a bit more flexible, allowing the cone to travel further out and in wards. This allows for larger displacement of air to be moved back and forth, and what makes bass and subsonic frequencies??? AIR!

so in a nutshell it is "recommended" to break in all your speakers prior to jamming on them. Do you have to?? --- NO! but it is a reccomendation.

[113GT]

very interesting. 2 completely different answers.....hmmm

[113GT]

finally got the system to sound as I want it to. Everything smoothed out! Nice amount of mids, low end, highs are incredible. Very balanced!

I spoke with not only my installer but also a couple of sound engineers and all speakers require a period of break in.

This ranges from about 80 to 100 hours before the speaker has full excursion and the woofers are looser (slightly) and for the speakers to be overall smoother.

It won't sound totally different overnight but over time, the sound will be a little different, for the better if treated properly.

This has been tested with really nice audio measurement tools that show a slightly different profile then when brand new.

[TheMaterial]

Well I would guess 'Some' companies may not have a stringent Quality Assurance Department...Like some inferior overseas manufacturers maybe. All speakers I've ever purchased (plus what I learned at API) have never had a "warning label" stating a break-in period is required..and I've owned alot of different speakers over the years....Furthermore; that is what QA is for! They must test every single speaker for quality and the only way is to run it thru it's paces which will ensure the cones, surrounds, integrity etc; are good and whilst doing this, the speaker is broken in.

_3

If you buy a pair of Monster ear buds, specifically the Turbines Pro or Coppers it says right in the manual to Burn in the drivers.

[113GT]

sweet! looks like it is not a myth anymore.

proven fact!

[ck1223]

No burn in is required, drivers are "Burned-in" at the factory. I worked for API in Markham for a bit, makers of Mirage, Energy, Sound Dynamics etc;. All drivers were run thru QA where they applied a sine wave signal, all frequencies and a frequency equivalent to the drivers air resonance at amplitude for about 10seconds....All manufacturers do the same.....I cranked my system from day 1, seven years later still cranking with no issues.

_3

I am a registered professional engineer in the province on Ontario, and I can tell you there is a difference between Q&A, and what some would deem a burn in process. Q&A is to test to make sure the product is built to what the manufacturer deems `good` to be sold. Based on your description of the manufacturers Q&A process, I find it surprising that each and every speaker is tested this way. If every single frequency is tested for about 10 seconds, assuming the highest frequency the manufacturer chooses to test is 20,000Hz, that would take approximately 200,000 seconds, or 55.5hrs. More than 2 days. If the manufacturer actually does this with every single speaker it ships out, I would deem it a burn in process. However, I can only assume this is a test that the designers put speakers through during design to ensure the speaker DESIGN works. Meaning, they only do this to prototypes, and if it passes, the design is put into manufacturing. Considering the amount of speakers being manufactured, I would truly be amazed if this is done prior to every speaker being shipped out. Furthermore, if this process was followed, I can only image no manufacturer would ever receive a speaker for RMA, however, I think we all know this isn`t the case, and that speakers are purchased and are found to be defective when brought home and tried out.

However, if you are saying that a sine wave signal containing all frequencies, say 0-20kHz, is applied for 10seconds to a speaker, I would say this is simply Q&A to make sure the speaker doesn`t fall apart, and is deemed good to be sold, thus this is not a burn in procedure.

In my experience, I have owned speakers which over a few weeks, have had their sound quality increase. This is not to say that all speakers need burn in, but I wouldn`t rule it out.

[ck1223]

I mean, QA, not Q&A lol. It`s still early.

[113GT]

^^^ YESSS.

Mechanical Engineering Tech. right here (true story) and CK is 100% correct.

Mass produced items do not spend this amount of time being tested unless it is a specialty item where QA is alot more involved in the manufacturing process.

The majority of items are simply hooked up (electronics) just to make sure they work, power on, etc. but do not spend more than 30 seconds doing so..which on an assembly line is a really long time.

I did some programming for C.I.M. and having something stay at the same station for 30 seconds really slows down potential output in manufacturing.

What alot of manufacturers do is produce 1000 units of said product, then then test a batch of 10 of them or 20 and if the entire batch passes, another 1000 go through as passed.

This is why some items are DOA or come with defects...its all part of the entire manufacturing process.

[113GT]

my speakers sound alot warmer now that they have about 100 hours of play time. A ton more mid bass is present and sound alot fuller.

Keep in mind, some speakers may not need this as much or you may not notice much of a difference on some if the woofer cone is softer and more flexible from the start.

[Flagrum_3]

I am a registered professional engineer in the province on Ontario, and I can tell you there is a difference between Q&A, and what some would deem a burn in process. Q&A is to test to make sure the product is built to what the manufacturer deems `good` to be sold. Based on your description of the manufacturers Q&A process, I find it surprising that each and every speaker is tested this way. If every single frequency is tested for about 10 seconds, assuming the highest frequency the manufacturer chooses to test is 20,000Hz, that would take approximately 200,000 seconds, or 55.5hrs. More than 2 days. If the manufacturer actually does this with every single speaker it ships out, I would deem it a burn in process. However, I can only assume this is a test that the designers put speakers through during design to ensure the speaker DESIGN works. Meaning, they only do this to prototypes, and if it passes, the design is put into manufacturing. Considering the amount of speakers being manufactured, I would truly be amazed if this is done prior to every speaker being shipped out. Furthermore, if this process was followed, I can only image no manufacturer would ever receive a speaker for RMA, however, I think we all know this isn`t the case, and that speakers are purchased and are found to be defective when brought home and tried out.

However, if you are saying that a sine wave signal containing all frequencies, say 0-20kHz, is applied for 10seconds to a speaker, I would say this is simply Q&A to make sure the speaker doesn`t fall apart, and is deemed good to be sold, thus this is not a burn in procedure.

In my experience, I have owned speakers which over a few weeks, have had their sound quality increase. This is not to say that all speakers need burn in, but I wouldn`t rule it out.

This was exactly what I was saying and in the process of running the QA test, I was told, it was enough to break-in the speaker, even subwoofers, and it was abit longer then 10 seconds, as the test would run up and down the frequencies, that was an arbitrary number I stated from my recollection.... Anyways, all you sound engineers, engineers or judges, think what you will, but I'll stick to what an 'actual' world reknowned speaker designer/engineer/inventor told me, thank-you...PLus, I've owned dozens upon dozens of speakers over the years, and never once did the manufacturers mention in their literature, nor did I ever allow a break-in period. It was 'All out from the start' and never blew a speaker nor did I notice any difference in sound, infact if someone says they do, I'd say it's the placebo effect...but if talking home speakers I'd agree. If some new HO subwoofers are now coming with break-in periods, it is a fairly new thing and could be due to some new manufacturing process, material used or engineering, thats my bet.

_3

[113GT]

This was what I was saying and in the process of running the QA test I was told it was enough to break in the speaker, even subwoofers.

it is not though. whoever told you this was wrong and misinformed.

[Flagrum_3]

it is not though. whoever told you this was wrong and misinformed.

Okay now your being retarded...Read my posts completely will you. Especially when I mentioned (twice) who told me this and his credentials. Credentials as opposed to everyone else that has commented here....O n' O.

_3

[113GT]

lol i am not being retarded....i can't believe you still think that speakers do not require a break in period.

there is no use arguing. continue believing what you already believe in.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I bought a JL once started playing it full volume on day one, about a month it sounded like it was hitting a brick. Took it on they said it was blown.

Got second one (warranty) broke it in for a month and never had any issues with it (besides it not being theft proof).

Needed or not I break in stuff now for piece of mind.

[JayJay18]

I know guys in the states with no credentials that would amaze you into how much they know about car audio.
You think soundman and stevemead have credentials, yet they are some of the top audio installers in North America.
Subwoofers 100% have a breakin period and speakers aswell. All materials that construct a speaker have properties that will loosen over time and are at there most rigid stage when they come out of the box.
Once these materials have had a couple hundred hours of play time the material will not be as rigid as before, thats why any car audiophile who has a sound processor and has RTA and pink noised there system knows to fine tune after a while of playback.
I have personally tested this and upon multiple times in many different cars have found that the frequency responses have been altered after a couple hundred hours of playback.
Professionals and certified or licensed people are not always correct. Your own experiences tell you differently but like i said if i were to show you by RTA and pink noise your would see the difference.


Okay now your being retarded...Read my posts completely will you. Especially when I mentioned (twice) who told me this and his credentials. Credentials as opposed to everyone else that has commented here....O n' O.

_3

[113GT]

I know guys in the states with no credentials that would amaze you into how much they know about car audio.
You think soundman and stevemead have credentials, yet they are some of the top audio installers in North America.
Subwoofers 100% have a breakin period and speakers aswell. All materials that construct a speaker have properties that will loosen over time and are at there most rigid stage when they come out of the box.
Once these materials have had a couple hundred hours of play time the material will not be as rigid as before, thats why any car audiophile who has a sound processor and has RTA and pink noised there system knows to fine tune after a while of playback.
I have personally tested this and upon multiple times in many different cars have found that the frequency responses have been altered after a couple hundred hours of playback.
Professionals and certified or licensed people are not always correct. Your own experiences tell you differently but like i said if i were to show you by RTA and pink noise your would see the difference.

you da man!

[Flagrum_3]

I know guys in the states with no credentials that would amaze you into how much they know about car audio.
You think soundman and stevemead have credentials, yet they are some of the top audio installers in North America.
Subwoofers 100% have a breakin period and speakers aswell. All materials that construct a speaker have properties that will loosen over time and are at there most rigid stage when they come out of the box.
Once these materials have had a couple hundred hours of play time the material will not be as rigid as before, thats why any car audiophile who has a sound processor and has RTA and pink noised there system knows to fine tune after a while of playback.
I have personally tested this and upon multiple times in many different cars have found that the frequency responses have been altered after a couple hundred hours of playback.
Professionals and certified or licensed people are not always correct. Your own experiences tell you differently but like i said if i were to show you by RTA and pink noise your would see the difference.

Crendentials or not, being a top installer or sound judge doesn't mean you understand certain things. You guys seem to forget I've also had probably more experience in car audio then most of you put together, a electronics diploma and several years experience in the speaker manufacturing sector, but most important; I have received my information from a 'World-Renowned' speaker Designer/Engineer, not some 'installer' or sound-off 'judge'. There is also a differnce between 'loosening' over time and what is meant by a break-in, you definately don't understand the difference. You guys ignore these facts, but I 'KNOW' I'm right on this. But don't take my word for it though, why not email JL for instance, one of the best known quality subwoofer manufacturers in the world and technology leaders in the field with numerous patents to their credit, and ask them IF a break-in is neccessary....I'll say no more as I feel I'm talking to a wall.

_3

[113GT]

Crendentials or not, being a top installer or sound judge doesn't mean you understand certain things. You guys seem to forget I've also had probably more experience in car audio then most of you put together, a electronics diploma and several years experience in the speaker manufacturing sector, but most important; I have received my information from a 'World-Renowned' speaker Designer/Engineer, not some 'installer' or sound-off 'judge'. There is also a differnce between 'loosening' over time and what is meant by a break-in, you definately don't understand the difference. You guys ignore these facts, but I 'KNOW' I'm right on this. But don't take my word for it though, why not email JL for instance, one of the best known quality subwoofer manufacturers in the world and technology leaders in the field with numerous patents to their credit, and ask them IF a break-in is neccessary....I'll say no more as I feel I'm talking to a wall.

_3

please just stop....for the love of god.

[JayJay18]

Funny how you use JL as a example. One of the most over rated audio companies in the world. Just that is enough said.
Simply put like i said before if you are a professional in the car audio industry and you RTA and pink noise installs then you would have figured out that after a couple hundred hours of playback you would need to re-tune your frequencies because your speakers play differently because they are now broken in.
If you understood what i said i did not specify a time for loosening. Break-in period is not 1 hour, 1 day, no its a period of time the speakers are played also known as over time not and extended period of time.
And if your WORLD RENOWNED SPECIALIST is from JL since you use them as an example so highly then don't kid yourself.
Some of the best audio installs in the world are composed of alot of higher end companies like Alpine, Pioneer, Focal, Audison.
Thats like saying that Sony is the best TV maker in the world, when Panasonic has some of the best picture colors in the industry.
Being a top installer means you know how everything works in different environments and how everything is composed together.
Engineers only build the speakers to perform the way the design it to perform, do you think they take in to account Jimmys Tahoe to design them or Petes Mazda 3 or Bobs F150.
Im sorry 113GT but i had to its just wrong to think that just because one person said it that its right. No one is perfect, not one person knows it all and you cant trust one person.
If Ferrari, Lambo, Maserati, BMW, Mercedes all said that you dont need to break-in your newly acquired car but Porsche, Volkswagen, Audi, Dodge, Chevrolet and Hennessy say that it is required then who do you trust. All have engineers who have degrees and credentials and are world renowned.

[loki]

Gentlemen I feel this debate should continue, or at the very least have its own thread so people can share their thoughts, though hard facts would be better.

Keep in mind, if the discussion continues, it's not difficult to get your point across without sounding like you're sucking your own e-dick...

[boo-ninja]

True! At least in higher end speakers. Also in your car don't blast the music untill your car is warm and toasty. Breaks the rubbers! If your speakers aren't paper.

[Aitch]

6 months later.... SHIT GOT REAL.

[loki]

6 months later.... SHIT GOT REAL.

Hahaha

[113GT]

FACT FACGT FACT ACT FASCVT FACT!!!