A BRIEF TECHNICAL DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CABLE COOKER™

Although it is not yet fully understood scientifically, the phenomenon of "cable break-in" has been experienced by many audiophiles. Interconnects, speaker cables and even power cords seem to go through a conditioning period when used in an audio/video system, and will sound better after many hours of in-system use. The sonic differences between wiring that is broken-in and wiring that is not are very audible in high quality audio systems.

The break-in process is believed to be due primarily to current flowing through the conductors of wiring components. Dielectric stress caused by a voltage difference between the conductors is also believed to be of some benefit. The fact that it takes many hours of in-system use for wiring components to break in is primarily due to the low-level nature of audio/video signals from normal program material.

As an example, let us take an interconnect used to connect the output of a preamplifier to the input of a power amplifier. The typical maximum signal level for full power output of the average power amplifier is 2 volts peak. The average signal is much less. The typical input impedance of a power amplifier will be 10k ohms at the (very) low end for consumer gear---47 to 100k ohms is typical for a solid state amplifier, while several hundred kohms is not unusual for a tube power amplifier.

Taking the (unrealistic) best-case values from the above examples, the maximum current seen is 2 volts/10k ohms = 200 micro-amperes ... and this would not be continuous current, as the voltage value is a peak value, not an rms value.

For the sake of demonstration and comparison we will describe a "use value" consisting of the current flowing through the wiring component according to the above equation, multiplied by the total time this current flows. We will refer to this use value as CTV, or "Current-Time-Value".

Playing an interconnect cable in an audio system for one week (168 hours) of continuous use would expose it to the following use value: 168 hours x 0.0002 amperes = CTV of 0.0336

The CABLE COOKER™ was designed to produce signal levels far in excess of those seen in normal audio/video system use. Internally, the device contains a sweeping square wave oscillator that drives a very high-efficiency "H" bridge MOSFET switching circuit. The output signal consists of a square wave from below 100Hz to over 16k Hz (plus harmonics). Output voltage is 12 volts rms. The current through the wiring component is determined by the load at the input connector of the CABLE COOKER™. In the case of interconnect cables, the measured current is 120 milli-amperes.

Installing an interconnect on the CABLE COOKER™ for one week results in a CTV of: 168 hours x 0.12 Amperes = CTV of 20.16

This is a value 600 times greater than that obtained under the most ideal of audio system conditions. The "stress" on the dielectric of the interconnect is also much higher than in normal use due to the higher output voltage. It should be readily apparent why results with the CABLE COOKER™ are often quite audible after as little as 24 hours of use.

The same powerful signal described above is also produced at the speaker cable output binding posts. The load at the speaker cable inputs, however, is designed to draw a continuous 1.88 amperes of current through the wire. With a potential of 12 volts, this is equivalent to a continuous signal level in excess of 22 watts!! It must again be emphasized that this is a continuous condition (i.e., rms).

This extreme continuous-signal level, produced in an audio system in a regular listening environment for any length of time, would force us from the room due to the highly uncomfortable and intensively-loud volume. One can now correlate the impressive signal level produced by the CABLE COOKER™ and the benefits derived by its use with the cabling in our audio/video systems.

CABLE COOKER FAQ’S……frequently asked questions

 What is the difference between the standard version and Pro version?

Firstly, the circuitry for the standard Cooker is identical with that of the Pro version. The Pro version is built for more heavy-duty usage, and features: 1) upgraded heavier-duty all-metal binding posts (especially useful for heavier, stiffer speaker cabling), 2) a high-quality double-ball bearing interior fan (to keep everything nice and cool), and 3) a new bridging switch that allows simultaneous break-in of interconnects, speaker cabling, AND power cabling (this bridging switch is a $30 upgrade option on the standard Cooker).

Please explain what the bridging switch does.

With version 2.0, interconnects and speaker cable, OR interconnects and power cabling could be broken-in together....just not all three. This is due to the nature and necessity of wiring everything in series, for the best possible signal integrity (from the Cooker). The optional installation of this new bridging switch and circuit (along with the requisite wiring), allows simultaneous break-in of all three types of cables without any signal degradation. It is especially useful for those who have quite a bit of cabling to condition, and those who will do a periodic "recharge" of their cabling on a frequent basis. It will definitely save time when doing many cables.

What type of cables can be broken-in?

The Cable Cooker can condition most types of audio/video cabling. The front panel includes RCA, BNC, and XLR connectors, plus 5-way speaker binding posts. These binding posts accept spades, bananas, and of course, bare wire. The Cooker does "not" have an S-video connector on it, but Radio Shack or another popular commercial supplier might have an RCA-to-S video adaptor that could be used to break in that type of cable. Microphone cables can be conditioned as well with the use of a ¼” plug–to-RCA adaptor.

How are power cables broken-in?

Each Cable Cooker is supplied with a pair of reverse-male/female, 3-blade/IEC adaptors to enable one power cable to be broken in. These are professionally terminated with Deltron banana connectors that insert into two specific binding posts on the front panel.   Power cable break-in occurs on the same high-level circuit designed for speaker cable break-in. Additionally, we have "extension adaptors" made so that power cables may safely be daisy-chained as well. These extension adaptors are available for $10 each. Each adaptor allows an additional power cable to be conditioned (for instance, 3 extension adaptors allows 4 power cables to be broken-in).

Can multiple pairs of interconnects be broken in simultaneously?

Absolutely. RCA-terminated interconnects may be daisy-chained through the use of barrel connectors (a few pair are supplied with every Cable Cooker). XLR terminated interconnects simply snap together, enabling them to run in series, and directionally.

Can interconnects, speaker cabling, and power cabling be broken-in together?

Yes. In normal operation interconnects and speaker cable, OR interconnects and power cabling may be conditioned together... just not all three. The new bridging switch allows the simultaneous conditioning of all three types of cables.

How about phono cables? How do I break these in?

For vinyl lovers, we make a special DIN-to-RCA phono adaptor that allows both tonearm wire and/or phono cables to be broken-in. In our opinion, due to the incredibly low voltage produced by cartridges (especially low output MC's), tonearm wire and phono cables are "never" broken-in and fully conditioned. The Cable Cooker produces a multiplex signal that is approx. 2000 times stronger than what the average MC cartridge outputs. Dung Tri Mai is now using this phono adaptor, and the Cable Cooker, for all new Triplanar production.

The phono adaptor costs $40. It utilizes a Cardas 5-pin DIN connector and Cardas RCA, along with a high-quality 5-foot cable suited for low-level signals. We also include a Velcro band that wraps around the adaptor and tonearm to keep everything immobile and safe from damage during the break-in process.

What is the maximum "capacity" of the Cable Cooker?

There is NO practical limit. You can Cook as many interconnects, speaker cables, and power cables as you wish. There is no degradation/loss of signal strength or integrity, no matter how many cables are placed on the Cooker.

I live outside the United States. Do you make a 220/240 volt version?

The Cable Cooker circuitry was designed around a "universal" switching power supply. This DC power supply will operate with any line voltage and frequency around the world. Simply use a generic power cord (from the wall), plug it into the DC power supply, and then plug the DC adaptor into the Cable Cooker. No problem whatsoever.

How long does it take to break-in cables?

That is dependent upon the gauge of the conductors, the number of conductors, and the amount of dielectric material. Generally, for brand new cable, the suggested guidelines are 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 days for interconnects... 2 to 3 1/2 days for speaker cables... and 3 to 4 days for power cabling. Of course, periodic listening tests are important to determine the optimal conditioning time for different designs, after doing what I call incremental periods of Cooking.

For instance, if you Cook a new interconnect for 24 hours, listen, and then repeat the listening tests after every 6 to 8 hours on the Cooker, you will find the optimal time for that model. When you find little or no improvement from the previous listening test, the cable is probably fully conditioned.

Cables that have been in a system for quite some time usually need only 24 hours on the Cooker to improve greatly... with some speaker cable and power cables, a bit more. Again, this is determined by the (heavier) gauge of the conductors. And doing a "periodic recharge" of a system's cabling every 3 or 4 months insures that a system will be at "it's" optimum performance level. This makes the Cable Cooker a better long-term value. Conditioning is "not" a one-time phenomenon.

Does longer conditioning time mean better performance? Can I over-Cook my cables? Will they be damaged?

Over-Cooking can reduce the performance, at least temporarily. The characteristics of this are a reduced or diminished soundstage and a dull, lifeless quality to the music. If this situation occurs, merely letting the cables physically rest, and settle, then putting them back in the music system to play for a few hours brings them back to their optimal performance level. Over-Cooking does NOT do any damage to the cabling whatsoever. Again, incremental listening tests are highly recommended to avoid over-Cooking one’s cables.

For a speaker cable requiring 200 hours of break-in, how long should it be plugged into the Cooker?

The general guidelines for new speaker cabling are from between 2 days to 3 1/2 days. The Cooking time (for all types of cabling) is directly dependent upon the gauge of the conductors, and the amount of dielectric material. Incremental listening tests are advised to determine the "best" Cooking time for a particular cable, within the above guidelines. Cables that have been in a system for some time might only need 12 to 24 hours of conditioning, and this is recommended on a periodic basis, what we call a "recharge". Cooker owners are doing this to maintain optimal system performance.

Will plugging (only) a pair of speaker cables versus speaker cables and interconnects result in different break in time for the speaker cables?

Not at all. Interconnects (RCA, BNC, and XLR’s) are conditioned on a separate, lower-power circuit from the higher-power speaker cable circuit. Therefore, they are independently conditioned and break in times are not related, nor diminished due to conditioning them simultaneously. The signal generated by the Cooker is quite powerful, and multiple pairs of cables may be daisy-chained as well.

Will cables revert back over time requiring a second burn in, or are the results permanent?

Unless cabling is completely disconnected for a long period of time, we don't think they "completely" revert back to their original, raw state. However, in our experience, break-in is a long-term, but not permanent phenomenon. Cabling seems to benefit (as does one's system) with a periodic "recharge" of 12--24 hours, every few months. Many Cooker owners have been doing this every 3 or 4 months, and we recommend it as well. This makes the Cable Cooker a better long-term value. Using the Cooker is not a "one-shot" premise or exercise.

Can Cooking cables with network boxes (such as MIT & Transparent Audio) damage them in any way?

Transparent cabling seems to do just fine on the Cable Cooker. However, a couple of customers have told us that MIT cabling simply doesn't work. Somehow, the way they are wired, or whatever is inside of the boxes seems to "short" the power supply of the Cooker. There is NO damage whatsoever. The power supply just shuts down, as it doesn't like what it sees from the cabling. The switching DC power supply we chose for the Cable Cooker is very sensitive to current and voltage aberrations (this is a very good thing), and protects the internal circuitry very nicely. So, no harm... no foul. The MIT cabling doesn't get damaged, and neither does the Cooker. Other than an RCA-to-XLR hybrid cable (which also has a wiring topology the DC power supply doesn't "like"), the MIT cabling seems to be the "only" brand of cable not compatible with the Cooker.

What else can the Cable Cooker break-in other than cables?

Some manufacturers are using the Cable Cooker to break-in transformers, capacitors, and bulk wire. A few customers have successfully conditioned Bybee filters, the Richard Gray Power Company Line Enhancer, and various parallel-design AC line conditioners, including the Audio Magic Stealth and Sound Application CF-X. AC duplex receptacles are easily conditioned as well.