w123ale, like with expensive sports cars it is always best to let the first guy take the hit. You want a single owner speaker that was not exposed directly to sunlight preferable less than 10 years old. Many Wilson and Magico owners will always go for the next best thing. Their dealers usually resell the speakers. So go to Magico and Wilson dealers and tell them what you want and to call you if a pair comes up. Offer to give them a deposit or make yourself a customer by buying something. This is a safer way to go than buying on line as you can see the speakers before buying them.
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!