My oldest loudspeakers are from the 1920s I have drivers that are about 90 years old that are still working well. But that being said avoid modern loudspeakers over 15 years old unless they are horn-based designs. Standard dynamics used ferrofluids in VC capacitors that drift after 15 years and rubber or foam surrounds that rot. The oil in ferrofluids dries up leaving Metalic particles in VC. Sure this can be repaired but unless you want to do so consider newer loudspeakers or those made before 1970.
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!
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!