I needed a speaker to replace an old broken 8" in a cabinet from the 50's. Now it looks super vintage, but sounds warm, but modern and tight too. Warm, because this is the AlNiCo version, and tight because 8" speakers just don't have a giant bottom end. Out of the box this sounds great. No need for breaking it in. Although it might sound even better in time. Great sounding unit, takes distortion very well, too. Recommended.