I would like to make a suggestion to all mods, etc. This being a new forum, it is bound to attract new members that may have questions they are afraid to ask for fear of looking "stupid", like me. Being 55 and just getting re-associated with vintage audio, I am learning things I have never heard of before that are quite useful. One of the most important things I have heard discussed is "breaking in". I just went through the original owner's manual for my Sansui stuff, and nothing was said about breaking in, although common sense tells me it has advantages.

Why don't each of you, in the appropriate forum, pin short instruction class on how to treat either a new or vintage but unused for a long time piece of equipment for the first time. Just the basic stuff that any idiot with a little common sense can accomplish. Also, post at what time it would be best to pull the plug and take it to a tech.

I have broken in hundreds of rebuilt engines in my day, but never thought about breaking in speakers or an amp. Same difference!

Just the basics - what to do with an old record, an old turntable, amp, tuner, tape, etc. so as not to turn it to toast.

I agree, a how-to on how to create a proper shrine with correct candle placement around the audio piece would be a good start. Where to place the kneeler, appropriate chants to pay homage, etc.

Personally, I think the only items that may need breaking in are those with moving parts, primarily cartridges (suspension) and speakers (surrounds), and then, a few hours at most. I'm not one that thinks the electronic parts need any breaking-in. Capacitors need to be formed, and charged, but that takes what, a couple of seconds of operation? Items like tape decks and turntables get used as well, but in my book, use of those counts as "wear", not "breaking-in".
Tom