There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that phono cartridges need a break-in period. However, some people believe that they do. They argue that the stylus needs to be worn in before it can produce the best sound quality.
There are a few reasons why people might believe that phono cartridges need a break-in period. One reason is that the stylus is a very delicate piece of equipment. It is made of a very hard material, such as diamond or sapphire, but it is also very thin. When the stylus is first installed, it may be slightly misaligned. This can cause it to skip or produce a distorted sound. Over time, as the stylus is used, it will wear in and become more aligned. This can improve the sound quality.
Another reason why people might believe that phono cartridges need a break-in period is that the stylus needs to be lubricated. The stylus is coated in a very thin layer of lubricant. This lubricant helps to reduce friction and improve the sound quality. Over time, the lubricant may dry out. This can cause the stylus to skip or produce a distorted sound. Playing the cartridge for a few hours can help to re-lubricate the stylus and improve the sound quality.
Ultimately, whether or not you believe in the phono cartridge break-in period is up to you. If you are concerned about it, you can simply start listening to your records right away. However, if you are not concerned, you can wait a few hours or even a few days before playing your records.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about phono cartridge break-in periods:
- The break-in period is not necessary for all cartridges. Some cartridges are designed to sound their best right out of the box.
- The break-in period may not be as noticeable on high-quality cartridges. These cartridges are typically made with high-quality materials that do not need to be worn in.
- The break-in period can be affected by the environment. If the cartridge is played in a dusty or dirty environment, the break-in period may be longer.
If you are still not sure whether or not to believe in the phono cartridge break-in period, you can always consult with a professional audio engineer. They will be able to give you their opinion based on their experience.
