[goldlizsts]

Stereophile had it as A+ in their recommended components a short while ago.  So I thought, for that $3K I can own one comparable to the other $10+K components in the A+ elite group, why not take a chance?  My Meridian 508.24 has served me well over the last few years.  So, I bought the Sony, hoping it's no baloney.  Now, 40 or so hours later, I still find it not very musical.  The Meridian was an A-listed item at one time also, but the Meridian is sooooooo much more musical and sweet, and its timber in the middle is so superior also.  The Sony is pretty cold (like a certain gender in certain species!) relatively.  I've read reports that it takes anywhere from 100 to 200 hours of break-in before the real sound would come out.  Is that true?  Anyone out there with experiences on the component?  My fingers are crossed.   

[rollo]

   Unfortunately the break in will take some time. Run unit continuously for 250 Hrs with preamp off [dead load]. The new chips take a long time to  come around.
    Fortunately you will be pleased with results. Hang in there, its a drag but well worth the effort.

 rollo

[goldlizsts]

   Unfortunately the break in will take some time. Run unit continuously for 250 Hrs with preamp off [dead load]. The new chips take a long time to  come around.
    Fortunately you will be pleased with results. Hang in there, its a drag but well worth the effort.

 rollo

Thanks for the encouragement, Rollo.  I will hold on to it I re-hooked my Meridian for the last week or so.  I will just put the Sony on a Repeat mode and let it cook for a few days and see what happens.  Of course, I have had the experience of hearing how new components change in their sound characters over time.   Out of the box, this Sony was just not that impressive at all but for the good soundstaging and imaging aspects.  See ya Saturday at Thumann's!