How long do good speakers last?


I just ordered a set of Sonus Faber Olympica Nova Vs, my first foray into nice speakers. I turn 51 this month and am hoping these will be the last speakers I ever buy. But it got me to thinking - how long should I expect these speakers to last? Or any good speakers for that matter? Does the foam eventually break down? Issues with general wear and tear? Appreciate your perspectives!
bigtex22

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

That's a gorgeous speaker, where do you live? Near NJ, USA? Can I invite myself for a listen? Yes, I would expect to keep them until I'm gone.

My drivers and crossovers were all made in 1958 (I was 10 then).

I have replaced the 15" woofer cones 3 times over 63 years (not separate foam surrounds back then). Once by a pro; twice by myself.

horn tweeters and horn midrange impregnated linen, nearly indestructible, UNLESS you over-blast this:

https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tFP1zcsNjAtKsqqLDBg9BLKzFNIVEhPTElJVACissyURAC2Sgq7&q=...

I burnt 2 tweeters, nothing since then.

Crossover is a tar filled can, newer open crossovers can be repaired, upgraded, that won’t be a limiting factor.

I also have L-Pads (speakers in that era were designed with flexibility in mind), I just replaced them, inexpensive and easy to find and do myself.

True Longevity: buy spare drivers at some point before you cannot get them anymore.
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Substitute Drivers, i.e. a different tweeter, can be done and possibly be better: reliability, sound, or both. JSE Infinite Slope Model II’s used Dynaudio D21 Tweeters. I got my speakers used, great price ($700/pair) with burnt out tweeters, replaced them with D21’s. All set, except: Every party my teenage son had, they burnt one or both of the tweeters. It cost him $60. each tweeter way back then. After a while, I researched, found some Focals with near identical specs, matching sensitivity, better ferro-fluid cooling, got confirming advice from Madisound, used them, they are still tweeting.