Your Cable. Fully Run In.
Ready to Perform.
Most cables we sell are eligible for our free burn-in service — 100+ hours of signal conditioning using the Nordost Vidar machine before dispatch. Premium cables can be treated with the Nordost Vidar 2 for enhanced results.
100+ hours of signal conditioning before dispatch. From the first listen, you’re hearing your cable at its best.
Cable burn-in (also called cable run-in or cable conditioning) refers to the process of passing an electrical signal through a new cable for an extended period before use. The insulating material (dielectric) and connector surfaces may undergo microscopic changes. Thousands of audiophiles and customers report that cables sound better after a burn-in period. We use the professional Nordost Vidar machine for standard treatments, and the Nordost Vidar 2 for premium cables — the same equipment used by leading cable manufacturers.
What Is Cable Burn-In?
Passing an electrical signal through a new cable for an extended period before use. The dielectric and connector surfaces may change slightly, and thousands of customers consistently report that cables sound better after this process.
The Science (and the Debate)
We’ll be straight with you — the mechanisms behind cable burn-in are not fully understood, and measured electrical changes are typically very small. Here’s what we do know:
Dielectric Settling
The insulating material surrounding a cable’s conductors can undergo microscopic changes when subjected to an alternating electromagnetic field over time. This may affect how the cable interacts with the signal passing through it.
Connector Break-In
New gold-plated contacts can form microscopic oxide layers that improve conductivity and contact stability after initial use. Physical “bedding in” of contact surfaces may also play a role.
The Experience
Regardless of the physical mechanism, thousands of our customers — and our own team — consistently report that cables sound different after burn-in: more open, more detailed, and more settled in their tonal presentation.
What Happens Over TimeWhat Happens During Burn-In?
A typical progression reported by our customers. Every cable and system is different, but this is the common experience:
New cables often sound a little constrained on first listen. Bass can feel controlled but thin; highs may have more edge than expected. This is normal.
Soundstage begins to expand. The presentation starts to relax and breathe more naturally. High-frequency harshness, if present, typically starts to smooth.
The cable’s characteristic voicing becomes clearer. Bass definition and extension improves. Imaging sharpens. Most customers notice the biggest change here.
The cable reaches stable, long-term performance. Sound is now consistent and representative of the cable’s true character. No further significant changes expected.
Available Free on Most Cables We Sell
Request burn-in at checkout on qualifying cables. We use the original Nordost Vidar machine as standard (100+ hours). For premium cables, our Nordost Vidar 2 machine delivers an enhanced treatment. Cable must be fully terminated — bare-end or BFA cables cannot be burned in.