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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!
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robert53
461 posts
 
I had a pair of Monitor Audio Studio 6s, and then gave them to my son last year because I bought one of the new Monitor Audio floor standing models. The speakers I gave him, are now 27 years old and still perfect (rubber surrounds).
desktopguy
367 posts
 
I, too, seem to have a thing for British speakers. Had a great experience w/ATC SCM12 Pro passive monitors (mind-blowingly good sound). 

~6 months ago picked up a vintage pair of big KEF 2-ways from the '80s, 103.2s. The drivers are original, and judging by the wonderful sound, have no issues (the 8" mid/woofer is made of bextrene + rubber surrounds). I know the crossovers had been carefully/selectively worked on, with any caps that didn't test perfectly replaced.

These are 35+ years old and sound amazing. 
siliab
362 posts
 
My pair of H. H. Scott "bookshelf" speakers from 1967 still sound great for their vintage despite moving across the continent and back, among other travels. They still look good as well.
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 
Funny with foam surrounds, company like JBL has used them on.some of the speakers they sold and they weren't cheap.i have a part of Bose 901....16  speakers with foam surrounds, lol....what a joke ...yes rubber surrounds  can last 60 years .I have woofers made in the 50s with paper woofers and there still good...again buyer beware...they can look great and then you touch the surrounds and they disintegrate....lol
re-lar-kvothe's avatar
re-lar-kvothe
171 posts
 
It's all relative, right? Anywho...I have a set of Mirage M760s I bought in the late 80s. I still use them today. I recently acquired a set of Spendor S100s. Comparing on the same system the Spendors offer a different space of sound but I cannot yet say they are significantly better. Tomorrow I will be picking up a set of Focal Kanta 2s to also compare. I am hoping they will be better than both the Mirage and Spendors. I am using a McIntosh MA5200 integrated with a Rega RP8 with Ortofon Red2 cartridge, and McIntosh MCD-7008 CD player. With that said, "good speakers" should last a life time. Some maintenance costs may be necessary and very well is worth it.
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