Breaking In Speakers Myth – Not Every Speaker Needs It!

While there are many notions about speakers breaking in period, not everything is true! Some may require it, others not so much. That’s the reason the whole breaking-in thing has become sort of a myth.

So, it’s time to fact-check the breaking-in speakers myth yourself. 

High-end speakers don’t need a break in. Few manufacturers break in their speakers before selling. Break-ins don’t make much difference for some speakers. Low-end speakers get benefits from break-ins. Consequently, subwoofers and amplifiers require break-ins. So it’s clear that Break in is not a myth.

However, breaking-in speakers is not a one size fits all matter. You’ll get benefits from breaking in some speakers. While other speakers won’t show any noticeable difference. 

In this article, I dive deep into the matter of speaker break-ins. I’m welcoming you to read it through. 

Do Your Speakers Need Break In?

Some speakers need a break-in. While others don’t need it at all. So, yes, break in is absolutely real and effective!

If I am to mention brands, Eminence speakers made no difference with break-in. Micca speakers on the other hand have a very negligible difference after a 2 days long break-in period.

Do Your Speakers Need Break In
Source: blog.fluance.com

Klipsch encourages consumers to break in their speakers for at least a day. They claim that is the trick to making Klipsch speakers last long.

You set up your new speakers and start playing them as soon as you’ve bought them.

Be aware, though, that they won’t be operating at their full capacity. At least for the first few hours of use (the break-in phase). After you break in your speakers, they will sound smoother with less distortion.

In order to enjoy your speakers right away, consider completing this step straight away.

Break In Speakers: A Necessary Process

The spider, diaphragm, and surround are the three flexible parts in which we are most interested. 

The flexible components must adapt in order to function. But the fixed components are not intended to change over time. The spider is one of them that is most impacted by the speaker’s break-in period.

The physics of sound amplification encourages flexibility. However, this component leaves the manufacturer with a certain rigidity required for effective installation. 

Consequently, the spider is made to adapt to the unique physics of the voice coil. That it is in charge of continuously centering. The spider eventually gets used to the specific structure and form of the voice coil while the speaker plays.

Do Speakers Need a Break-In Period?

In order to successfully oscillate back and forth, speaker drivers need the right design and materials. Therefore, it seems to reason that a speaker would need some break-in time. 

It’s to lessen the initial stiffness of its construction and move (and create sound) more effectively.

Speakers Need a Break
Source: audiosciencereview.com

A brand-new speaker needs to be burnt in before it performs at its best. It assists in increased mechanical compliance in the driver suspension and low free-air resonance frequency. These make it possible for the speaker to translate audio into the sound more precisely.

Play the speakers roughly for about 100 hours or so. After that, your speakers will be broken in. Provided that you plan to use your speakers more frequently. Prepare for your speaker’s surround and spider materials to deteriorate gradually.

After breaking, not every speaker’s sound will differ much. Some improvements are barely audible, while others sound significantly smooth.

Correct Way to Break In Speakers

A signal with the whole frequency range is desired to get the best outcomes. The spider will never be able to tolerate the deep vibrations required to make those sounds. It won’t work if you play any audio with zero bass.

The component’s range of motion across the spectrum would be limited. Because it would never be required to operate within its full dynamic range. 

An appropriate comparison would be to imagine starting a brand-new car. And forcing it to run from 0mpH to 60mpH right out of the factory. it will run much more smoothly after the first few hundred miles.

It is advised that home theater clients set aside a 10-hour “speaker burn-in” period. Also known as a speaker break-in period, use bass-heavy contemporary music. Or any of the dedicated burn-in audio that is easily found online like pink noise.

Make sure to play music at 20Hz. It’s better if you play pink noise for the breaking-in period.

During this time, play the speakers loud enough to see the cone moving back and forth. Maintain a steady volume.

An easy way is to make sure the volume and frequency requirements are met. And your speakers will ultimately break themselves as you use them. Even if you don’t want to leave them blaring for 10 hours straight.

Breaking In Car Speakers

I am a big advocate of breaking in car speakers. Because you didn’t buy the speakers to play it low. You bought the speakers to play it loud. 

Breaking In Car Speakers
Source: improvecaraudio.com

Just like any other speakers, car speakers also need to break in to reach their full potential. As breaking in a speaker is different for speakers, it’s reasonable to wonder the following question. 

How do you break in car speakers?

Playing music is the simplest solution. However, you should play music with a wide dynamic range. Something with strong deep bass, and a strong high end to break in your speakers properly. Both kinds of music will be able to push the speaker to its limits frequently.

For car speakers, you can’t play 20Hz music as you drive around. You can play music at light to moderate volume. You don’t wanna get them really pounded. Because you don’t wanna destroy them prematurely. 

Get the car speakers nice and loose. You’ll thank yourself in the future. You can casually listen to music at a reasonable volume. About 30-40 driving hours is enough for car speakers to break in.

After breaking in, they’ll sound impressive with hitting lower range easily. With the cones and drivers loosened, they’ll deliver the true sound quality they’re supposed to. 

However, don’t go overboard with the music and crank them up. You’re breaking in the speakers so that your car speakers last long and well.

So far, I’ve only talked about break-ins. Next comes the question of burn-in. 

Burn In Speakers: What Is It?

I’ll start by saying that speaker burn-in has to deal with the speaker driver in particular.

Since the speaker enclosure is fixed, burn-in is avoided. Though this is not a real speaker burn-in. The speaker amplifier may go through its own burn-in (particularly if it uses vacuum tubes).

Burn In Speakers
Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Now, what is a speaker burn in?

It’s the process of moving and stretching out fresh speaker driver material. Until the stiffness is lessened is known as speaker burn-in. It’s similar to how our bodies work better after warming up. Speakers that have been burnt in perform better than speakers that have not been burned in.

At some point, burn-in can be deemed “complete.” The speaker is now capable of being used to its maximum potential. Which is without requiring any significant adjustments to the stiffness or flexibility of its materials. Because the material has been properly stretched or flexed.

Is Amplifier Burn-In Real?

Absolutely, amplifier Burn-in is definitely a real thing. Before a break-in, new amps typically have a wild, loose, and gritty sound. 

And how long does it take for Amps to Burn-In?

To fully open up, it takes close to 500 hours. The burn-in duration, however, also depends on the amplifier design. For amplifiers designed with large caps, I have noticed they take a long time to burn in. For best benefits, most of the designs must be kept turned on and regularly maintained. 

A new amp has a dark, heavy bass tone when you play it. Then magic happened. It was delightful to observe the pure joy of the details. Which were emerging from the completely dark background with no harshness.

Breaking In Subwoofers

Some people may wonder, does a subwoofer need breaking in? The answer is yes.

There are two ways to get a subwoofer started. The most typical and convenient approach is to first install your woofer as usual. Next, play your favorite music for 2-3 weeks at a volume between low and medium. The woofer will start to make a difference in the sound as it breaks in.

Breaking In Subwoofers
Source: ddaudio.com

The second option requires an in-depth procedure. You’ll need follow these steps-

  • Download a tone generator app from your app store. Or use the tone generator feature on your phone.
  • A sturdy platform on which to install your woofer. The woofer cannot breathe if you free air by pressing the back-plate against something. 
  • Suspend your woofer between two chairs or tables. It’s recommended to put your speaker in a piece of wood with space on either side. Make sure to weigh down the sides to prevent “walking off.”
  • A break in audio you can play in your SoundQubed amplifier. And view this signal by turning the remote control.
  • Have about a day to spare.

You can start the break-in process now that you have gathered your tools. Play a 30 Hz–60 Hz sine sweep. 

Play a 40 Hz tone if your app is unable to accomplish this. We recommend a solid break in 20–24 hours. It will take a day for you to set it up with a strong, clear signal. 

Your speakers can now be installed and ready to play music.

Please check on your woofer frequently during Option II to make sure it’s staying cool. Your woofers must be broken in with 40–48 hours of playtime. That is mounted in the enclosure if you are unable to free-air them.

Both of these will support releasing the suspension and extending the lifespan of your new subwoofer. 

Remember that during the course of their lifespan, the soft components will continue to deteriorate. 

For the duration of the break-in phase, we advise keeping your subwoofer’s power load constant. Note that audio tracks with sporadic or intermittent bass are useless.

What Happens If You Skip Breaking In Your Subwoofers?

Skipping Break-in of subwoofers can end up in the problems below- 

  • A distorted signal and the development of excessive heat might result in burned or unwound coils. Spiders are typically stiff which lowers the driver’s suspension level and excursion.
  • The coil heats up in the gap as a result of this. And excessive power consumption since it cannot move far enough to allow heat to escape.
  • The woofers’ suspension protesting at increased head unit volume fixture. It means that you can run into a distorted signal much more quickly. Moreover, distortion will quickly heat your coil.
  • Because the spiders are too tight to move, you run the risk of tearing them. From the triple joint or basket landing and inflicting mechanical failure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do Speakers Sound Better After Break-in?

After the primary break-in period, your speakers will unquestionably sound smoother. Complete the break-in right away after unpacking. That way you can enjoy your speakers as soon as possible. Although speakers have multiple parts that are dynamic, they’re stiff when they’re freshly made.

How Do You Break In Speakers Fast?

One of the most popular ways to encourage break-ins is using recorded music. A secure and dependable approach is playing music for several hours. Play music on a competent stereo receiver for 2 days at a low volume. Use caution and avoid overwhelming the speaker with too much low-frequency content.

Do Speakers Need to Burn In?

Mid-tier or cheap speakers need to burn in. And the expensive ones work flawlessly without it. However, burn-in lengthens the suspension which helps the speakers perform at their full potential. Burn-in helps in enhancing the speaker’s ability to reproduce audio clearly and hit lower tunes. 

Conclusion

That was an all-around discussion about breaking in speakers myth. Now it’s easier to decide whether a break-in is worth it for you or not. 

You’ll see that these various frequency registers start to combine after being broken in. The audio from the speakers will be incredibly clear. 

Until next time!

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