I don’t see what I do as providing additional benefits. For me, it’s more of a “start low & go slow” tactic.
I prefer to challenge a headphones’ new drivers less at the start & more at the end of burn-in.
I burn-in speakers pretty much the same way–no high volumes or big bass & beat music at the start.
There’s no real science to it…just me proceeding cautiously with valuable new audio gear.
Ok cool, thanks for clarifying for me! 
Best suggestion EVER!!!
And how can you keep it at only 8?!?!?
Seems like you have almost a SOP done for what to do (I am also in Pharma 
).
A link would be nice, then I can try it out myself.
Yes, it’s my SOP…my version of a phase III clinical trial (but N=1).
Here’s link to the 2 noise files I mentioned:
One file is pink noise, which sounds less bright than white noise because the volume decreases slightly w/increasing frequency. That’s good for burn-in, as the lower frequencies cause the most displacement of the headphone driver, which is presumably stiffest/least compliant when brand new.
The other noise file is brownian noise (not Gaussian noise–I had misremembered the name). Brownian noise is significantly weighted toward lower frequencies (description below). I find brownian noise to be very soothing…sometimes play it through speakers while working.
“*Brownian noise has more energy at lower frequencies than white or pink noise and has a damped, soft, “low roar” quality, like a waterfall or heavy rain” (precisely)
I remember that wait and checking often. Which Aeolus did you end up ordering, the standard Sapole wood or Camphor Burl?
I went with the Sapele.
nice! You’ll enjoy them and, while it may sound odd, they smell wonderful too.
Thanks!
20 characters
de nada…
What do you do in Pharma, if I may ask?
I’m in sales, so part of my 2019 bonus is going to my Aeolus
You?
Freelance medical writer/medical copywriter for the past 20 yrs. I only rarely give myself bonuses, though.
Being a freelancer in this industry is often well paid, so I understand the audiophile hobby!
And with the tax and shipping on top of the Aeolus cost itself, I need the bonus to make the purchase 
What is everyone’s preference for pads for these headphones? Also what cable did you go with?
Eikon suede perf. ZMF machinos silver cables.
(I bought the cables after, now that I think about it, but still that’s what I use.)
Those Michanikos with wooden-connectors sure are pretty…
Seems, I am one of the few that still use the stock perf leather (Aeolus pads), but I love the stock sound. For cables, I use a Norne Draug 3 (1/4") and ZMF Silver Michanikos (4pin xlr).
ZMF Silver Michanikos 4 pin XLR with Eidolic connectors as well.
Super cable. Matches really well with my Aeolus. Also use a single ended Cardas Cross with the Aeolus from a prior set of Audezes I had.
It is nice to see the Silver Michanikos getting some love! Really a beautiful looking/sounding cable, that lays straight.