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Deteriorating speakers -- Class A today, C Tomorr

I have never been able to find an article adressing the aging of speaker cones -- a'la long term road test -- to see if the sound after the break-in period deteriorates over the years. This is of great importance to me because speakers that I lusted for 2-5 years ago are now appearing on the used market for prices I can afford.

Can any tell me if a speaker such a the Jmlab Utopia, Wilson Maxx, etc., sound as good after years of usage, or is the reason that the upgrade addiction sets in is to offset the aging speaker cones.
humphry
mrpoindexter
63 posts
 
I have gone and auditioned some pretty high end gear and compared it with my system at home, the Infinity IRS V for my mains and I have some very low serial number betas as well. They still sound class A to me.
avideo
222 posts
 
Humphry - All of the above posts have mentioned some very valid points to consider. Personally, I've probably had only 7 or 8 sets of speakers over the past ten years; and can't honestly think of any problem I've ever had with any used speakers I've bought. In fact my Thiel 3.5s, which I bought from the original owner, are about 10 or 11 years old and sound better than ever. (Partly due to better sources and electronics over the past few years!)
Mostly what I would be concerned with is the past user's treatment of the speaker. Does he/she play music at high levels? Listen to lots of rock/rap/heavy metal? Do the speakers look like they've had a rough life? (Probably a good reason NOT to buy them!) Let's face it - in this hobby of ours - condition counts for a lot! Do your homework, and by all means if you're going to make a speaker purchase listen to them BEFORE you buy. Just because a speaker is highly rated by TAS or Stereophile doesn't necessarily mean that it will sound great with your equipment. Good listening!
bin
119 posts
 
I have speakers that were originaly built in the 80's.
They have been re-foamed and are by far the best sound I have ever heard. The newest version sells for over $20K and even if I had the money I can't imagine being tempted. Well okay maybe:-). But my point is that technology may improve but I am not convinced the sound does. Just think how many older speakers still have first class sound. Snell A's, Original OHM F's and many others.
humphry OP
6 posts
 
Would anyone ever pay $10K for used speakers on this site, without having the opportunity to hear/see them?
mrpoindexter
63 posts
 
I agreed to buy a pair of used speakers for MUCH more than $10K here a while ago. I went up to listen to them driving a U-Haul. I got home late that night and set up my pair of Infinity IRS V.

I would not have paid for them to be shipped without listening to them first.
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