Headphone Burn-in. Is it real, or real-stupid?

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Banjuka

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Headphone Burn-in. Is it real, or real-stupid?

Admission: I've long been a believer that the majority of my headphones sounded better after some burn-in time.

But many audio-nuts are polarised by burn-in, some believing it to be necessary, some believing it to be snake-oil, and some undecideds.

Many state that it is merely marketing, so that you don't return your headphones after the first try. Others state that is perhaps a placebo effect - that it's just your ears that burn-in with the new sounds emanating from the headphones or speakers.

So I'm beginning to question my ears.

I've tried searching for audio-manufacturers who suggest burning-in headphones, but have come up empty-handed.

I know that many serious audiophiles swear by burn-in. Also that many of the most popular and sometimes admired reviewers on the web and YouTube will not test a headphone or piece of audio equipment without serious burn-in time.

So according to you: What is the verdict?
 
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