The break-in, commonly known as the "burn-in" period, varies from a few hours to several hundred hours, depending on the unit. The process can be frustrating as we need to wait for full performance of the system to be realised. It may take a number of hours to reach the break-in period, which normally lasts between 60 and 70 hours.

Break-in is a term used to operating your gear for some arbitrary length of time, usually several hours, to help gauge its performance. It is advisable to begin the break-in period with some CDs such as symphony or orchestral music, which include a variety of musical instruments and a more complex signal.

These songs have the ability to reduce the break-in period by "exercising" the system with a more complex signal than that provided by ordinary music. It is recommended that you play the disc continuously and repeatedly for approximately 50 to 60 hours.

This amount of time should get you well on the way to full break-in, whereby you will notice a vast improvement on the smooth, yet coherent sound. Bear in mind that all electrical components of any brand require a break-in period before you can conclude they are good or bad.

Alpine's power amplifiers are good examples for distinguishing the sound performance. Having said that, after a burn-in period, the sound, particularly image and soundstage, we got was clearly black and white. Full images and smooth soundstages in all frequencies are where power amplifiers drive JBL speakers at its utmost power.

The Sheffield Test and Demonstration which I often use, has all-rounder reference tracks for break-in purpose. The assortment of jazz and classical music, combined with their exceptional high-quality recording and many reference and technical tracks, will help you tune the audio systems. The disc comes with chosen music selections including: Clair Marlo's track 2 "A Major Technicality", track 4 "All Four Filling" which can express the perfection of her sound and simultaneously reflect the flaws in your amplifier, and Michael Ruff's track 6 "Lover's Mask" for an audio signal check.

Burn-in CDs with a varied selection of reference recordings jazz and classics such as "Bose test CD (Jazz)" and "Masters of Classical Music Volume 3, Beethoven (Symphony No 5)" are recommended. After passing the break-in period, you can easily feel details of sound from artists such as Norwegian jazz artist Silje ("Bravenet" album).You can also hear the distinct notes of each instrument, whether they be acoustic guitar or percussion, when she sings.