This might be the dumbest question, or a great.. I'm sorry if it's dumb, but, I heard something about not blasting the sound system (even though it isn't so great) for a while, and not pass volume 12 or so for a while, so the speakers and "break in"... anyone hear this, or have any comments to this? Once again, sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

humm good question...cuz I donno the answer

 

Wow, and I thought Spinal Tap were pushing it when they went "one more" with 11! (Sorry for the obscure reference, but someone will get it...)

 

Speakers definitely have a breakin period, usually I've heard 40-60 hours but it varies by manufacturer. It takes a while for the cones and magnets and surrounds and everything to seat together properly, sort of like piston rings/etc. I have heard the moderate volume thing be an initial recommendation, but only for the first few hours. After that you should play your stereo like you intend on listening to it, so that the speakers are optimized for what you want to listen to. If you intend on pounding rap, you should pound rap. Basically don't do anything differently.

 

Long live obscure movie quotes!

 

I just realized that I left off the information I received from my friend who is the senior engineer at Boston Acoustics. NOTE: If you don't like BA speakers, that's OK as I realize and appreciate that everyone has different opinions and tastes, but just ask ANY acoustical engineer in the speaker industry about "Mark" and more than likely they will know who he is and respect his opinion-he has helped write the book on speaker design for the last ~20 years.

According to him there is much debate as to whether there actually is a need for "break in" or not. Some engineers swear by it, whereas others, like himself, don't see much benefit. He has done numerous comparison tests and his conclusion is that there is minimal differences measured by instrument and "virtually no difference" that can be perceived by the human ear (based on double blind tests). That said, a total of 2-20 hours (at least 30 minutes a day) should suffice and provide the optimum sound from a speaker. You can't really "destroy" a speaker like you can an engine as there is no real friction and seating in a speaker that is similar to the friction and seating of engine components.

Again, this is his opinion and is only offered as a response to Ricky's question. I respect the other opinions (personally I didn't have a clue) and as he had said, there are many schools of thought on the subject so there won't be a clear or definitive answer. I hope that helps.

 

I own a 93 maxima with the bose system, ever since I got it,
I've always blasted it to volume level 26. Till this day it sounds
good as new. I say you can pump that bad boy to it's limit, but
you should definitely adjust the bass, treble, and make sure you
listen to good tunes while driving. Lots of luck
your friend,
eL guapo