[HooStat]

I was reading an old review of a Bryston amp, and it described the testing and burn-in process.  It made me wonder what proportion of amplifiers fail in the burn-in phase?  Does it vary by product?  No real reason to know, just plain curiosity.

[James Tanner]

Hi HooStat,

Because we do checks along the way - parts are tested before they go in the circuit, circuit boards are checked before they go in the amps etc.,  we have about a 1-2% faiiure rate.  Where the test procedure really helps is if we get a bad batch of a specific part and the stress test on the burn-in bench catches those almost immediately.

james

[vegasdave]

Cool.

[werd]

I have always wondered what the difference in sound would be before the burnin and after the burnin on Bryston amps?

[V]

I have always wondered what the difference in sound would be before the burnin and after the burnin on Bryston amps?

Ask your question to PhD's in electronics. They will answer: nothing. (And the same answer will be received if you ask it regarding burn in on cables, CD-players and pre-amps).

[vegasdave]

So, it's just our ears playing tricks on us?

[hayden]

So, it's just our ears playing tricks on us?

Or, our minds 

[vegasdave]

Ah yes...

[Phil A]

Ask your question to PhD's in electronics. They will answer: nothing. (And the same answer will be received if you ask it regarding burn in on cables, CD-players and pre-amps).

Can you advise where to find one?



http://education-portal.com/electronics_phd.html


“Electronics Ph.D. programs do not exist.”

[srb]

“Electronics Ph.D. programs do not exist.”

No, but Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering does.
 
Steve

[Phil A]

No, but Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering does.
 
Steve

True, but that does not equate to having knowledge about consumer electronics.  I've known several who other than reading a circuit diagram would have trouble doing the same things the average consumer would encounter.  I'd regard a audio technician who does the full range of repairs, mods and manufacturing of things to the best qualified in such matters.  That does not require a doctorate.

[sfraser]

My guess is that Bryston performs the "burn in"as an attempt to eliminate "infant mortality" and ensure the final product is within spec, not to improve the sound.

Cheers

[Napalm]

So, it's just our ears playing tricks on us?

Nope, not the ears, it's the brain.

Nap.

[Anonamemouse]

A friend of mine tried to record this, he had a whole set p with a DAT recorder, a few mikes and a brand new stereo system. The microphones were attached to the ceiling in his room, so that they could not be moved in whatever way. he recorded the same piece of music once every third day, while the stereo system was "breaking in". His ears convinced him that over the course of a month things changed, got smoother, more bass, more defined treble. His recordings showed him that there indeed was a change in sound, between the first and second recording. After that nothing happened that the microphones were able to pick up.

So it is the brain getting used to the sound, not the sound setting.

[werd]

All you have to do take something that has been used lots and compare it to new. You can compare it back to back. If they sound different then there's a burn in process. Mics in ceiling is just to complicated imo.

[Napalm]

All you have to do take something that has been used lots and compare it to new. You can compare it back to back. If they sound different then there's a burn in process.

Yeah. I now realize that the rattle that my car has started to develop must be a sign of "burning in". Which makes it even better than new.

Nap. 

[Don_S]

There are other ways to interpret that crude experiment.  One: The microphones and recording system equipment and placement were not adequate. Two:  Since a change was noticed between the original recording and the next recording three days later maybe there really was a change during burn in and the majority (or all) of it took place in the first three days.

I am not arguing for any of those interpretations just pointing out that your conclusion is only one of several available and ignored the change between the first and third day.  I also caution that the results from one piece of equipment cannot be extrapolated to all equipment.

I want to believe. 

A friend of mine tried to record this, he had a whole set p with a DAT recorder, a few mikes and a brand new stereo system. The microphones were attached to the ceiling in his room, so that they could not be moved in whatever way. he recorded the same piece of music once every third day, while the stereo system was "breaking in". His ears convinced him that over the course of a month things changed, got smoother, more bass, more defined treble. His recordings showed him that there indeed was a change in sound, between the first and second recording. After that nothing happened that the microphones were able to pick up.

So it is the brain getting used to the sound, not the sound setting.

[Laundrew]

Yeah. I now realize that the rattle that my car has started to develop must be a sign of "burning in". Which makes it even better than new.

Nap. 

I have also noted that the back lighting of my AM/FM cassette radio in my 99 Corolla started “blinking” at the 350K mark - 20 plus K later, it still blinks. I will be very happy when this is “burned in" and my iPod/cassette interface will sound much better. I will report back at the 400K mark.

 

Be well…

[Stephen L]

I notice a change in sound from the humidity in the air. The higher the humidity the more bass I hear. Maybe my brain is affected by the extra moisture.

Steve

[werd]

Yeah. I now realize that the rattle that my car has started to develop must be a sign of "burning in". Which makes it even better than new.

Nap. 

Yah but you drive monster cable......