2. speakers
  3. 167504-110665

Buying used: how old is too old?

All,

Considering buying some used speakers from a well established company, e.g., Wilson, Focal, B&W, etc.

Aside from obvious technology updates, do speakers have a shelf life? If so is this measured in overall life, or number of hours played?

I’ve read some reviews that some speakers can really improve with age, no doubt longevity is going to be influenced by speaker drivers. Perhaps paper breaks down before other materials—I don’t know.

Old flagships can be bought for a fraction of their original cost and less than new mid-level speakers. No break in needed! But maybe they would be broken down?

I’m sure there have been numerous threads on this topic, but I didn’t find much in my search and am also interested in any recent experience on the topic.

Would be really interested to hear thoughts, opinions, and experience with this.

Thanks!
w123ale

Showing 1 response by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I have 75 year old drivers that will be here 75 years from now and work the exact same way they did when they were first made.

I have hard wood furniture that is 300 years old and silks that are well over 100 yeas old.

Crossover parts that’s about all that will wear out.. Plastic will even hold up 50 plus years in a controlled environment, Bake-o-lite 300 years?

Ribbon speakers, as long as you can fold tinfoil you can fix them..

I have terminal blocks well over 100 years old..

So what’s gonna wear out? Round speakers? Now you see the problem..

They will last 60 plus. I have Watkins drivers that have NEVER been touched and the BR surrounds are still intact. Infinity Infinitesimals.
they will last another 25 years with care.. 7-80 years.

I chipped a front tooth 45 years ago. If I would have fixed it then I wouldn’t have it now. I fixed it with epoxy and my dentist added the final touchup.. 45 years ago.. As a matter of fact it's the only ONE that hasn't been messed with.
More to discover