Do dynamic driver headphones have a break in period?

[JCOConnell]

I accidently destroyed my reference sony phones by stepping on them, bummer. Anyway, Since I was unprepared to drop $1500
on a top line replacement, I temporarily settled for a hundred dollar pair of Sennheiser HD300 dynamics. They sound pretty good
new right out of the box, But what I am wondering is, do these or similar dynamic headphones have a break in period?????

[EdAInWestOC]

They can have a break in period. Mechanical devices with critical moving parts change their characteristics with use and with environmental factors. This includes speakers, headphones and phono cartridges.

If you haven't noticed the sound quality from your system can vary a bit and those differences can be tracked down to break in and environmental factors.

I bought my Focal Clear headphones in May 2018 and the delivery of that model was held up by high demand. Back then there were glowing reviews of the Focal Clear and Focal could not keep up with that initial demand. My set of Clears sounded bad right out of the box but I was advised by the salesman to allow them to break in about 100 hours.

The sound quality between the initial out of the box sound and after 100 hours of use was dramatic. The Clears sounded great after the initial break in period. Before that break in they did not sound like a $1500 headphone. They sounded bad.

The dynamics were constricted and frequency spectrum was anything but balanced. There were hints of what the could do when they were brand new but they sounded bad.

I have read that the Clears being delivered now are much better out of the box. Focal has addressed the initial break in but the clears back in May of 2018 were bad and in need of a serious break in.

Phono cartridges all have a break in. Manufacturers suggest what that break in period is. The pliable parts used in the construction of these products need to be used a while in order to have them perform as they were intended. Headphones can have similar issues.

Good luck with your headphones,
Ed

[JCOConnell]

Im getting constricted dynamics and tonal balance favoring bass. Ill be sure to leave a tuner "on" for the next few months to hasten the break in period;

[EdAInWestOC]

Thats a good idea. I hooked up my Clears to my work system and left it playing for a week.

[JCOConnell]

They are actually improving after only 8 hours run time

[EdAInWestOC]

Yup, it can vary from model to model. Enjoy your new cans!

[JCOConnell]

just played a CD made from mofi Lp of King Crimson ITCOTCK and all I can say is wow, no dynamics or tonal problems with that one.

[Alrainbow]

Dynamic headphones do need break in like most of our stuff in life. The room temp matters too. It's a plastic diaphragm as such is effected by temp. Senn burns there phones in for defects but not sound as in break in.
ur not wrong to take note. I also feel leaving them not used for long periods does put you back a bit too.

[Nscohen17]

All that being said, and all of it being correct and true, Sennheisers in general - and the more cost effective ones in particular - are going to sound much less ‘present’ than your Sonys. I use a pair of $59 eH350s for travel and find them to be quite enjoyable to listen to once I get used to the laid back presentation.

[JCOConnell]

the biggest difference I notice with these sennheisers compared to the sonys, is the bass extension. the sony is not a sealed ear design, whereas the sennheisers are. there is more deep bass 30-50 hz with the sennheisers, Not sure if its right or not, but its noticeable.

[Alrainbow]

Closed cans produce more bass. It's a trade off for isolation