Break-in time?

[Dr.db]

Hello,

I have two TAD 1603, one of them is used and one is freshly reconed.

The used one looks perfectly centered but is significantly softer than the reconed one. I have therefor put a 20hz sine-wave for about 5 hours on the reconed woofer to break it in. I guess I ran it with about 10watts as it made about +-5 cone-excursion...
Actually I don´t feel a change in the suspension, it is still significantly harder than the used one.

So how long do you recommend to put a 20hz sine-wave on the woofer to break in?

[speakerdave]

Rather than beat up the new kit it would make more sense to me to replace the apparently worn out software in the other frame. The 1603 is meant for hard use in SR service where TAD's nice Alnico magnets would lose some charge. Used ones have likely led a demanding life. No reason, though, that 1603's with fresh kits can't make music at home, just like a 1601B.

[Dr.db]

Hi Dave,

I have bought these 1603´s from another DIY guy who had bought them new several years ago. Maybe he had pushed them hard too, I can´t tell. But they have no pa-history...

I know the best would be to measure the TSP´s, but I´m not able to do this.
This is the reason why I would like to know how long it takes, until such a driver is broken in and has reached it´s specs.

[Mr. Widget]

I don’t know a hard number, but I’d imagine you should be very close to broken in after a few hours of play. <10 hours.


Widget

[rdgrimes]

The thing that "break-in" time won't do is duplicate the effects of actual time. Foam or even rubber surrounds soften with time whether they are used or not.

[Dr.db]

@widget: You are talking about using sine-waves with power, not just average listening levels with music right?


@rdgrimes: The TAD´s have threated cloth-surrounds, but shure they age too...

[Ian Mackenzie]

There is a difference in simple break in and an assembly that has been pushed to well beyond excursion limits.

When you say soft what are you referring to?

The touch pressure to move the cone onwards or the feel of the cone itself?

[Mr. Widget]

@widget: You are talking about using sine-waves with power, not just average listening levels with music right?

I’m talking about moderately high playback of full spectrum material. Random noise with content between 30Hz and 500Hz at 5-10 watts should do it.


Widget

[Dr.db]

When you say soft what are you referring to?

The touch pressure to move the cone onwards or the feel of the cone itself?

The touch pressure to move the cone onwards
The cone itself feels and looks like new. The spider looks symmetrical as well and hasn´t sagged.

I’m talking about moderately high playback of full spectrum material.

Widget

Got you, thanks