As for the question regarding how long speakers can last, I have a pair of 40 + year old KEF Reference Series Model 101 British monitors, as well as a pair of original Linn Kans from 1987 that are still going strong. I also have a 50 year old pair of FMI 80’s (Bob Fulton) from the early 1970s that still sound great.
How long do speakers last?
I ask because I have an opportunity to buy a pair of Von Schweikert VR-33's for an insanely good price. I get it: "it depends how hard they have been driven", but judging by the condition they were very nicely taken care of. My only concern is that will need repairs in the future whereas I could just spend that money on new speakers. On the other hand they sound fantastic. Just curious about the lifespan. They'd be a nice upgrade from my Klipsch bookshelves / sub combo.
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for others considering very old speakers: Many very old woofers, like my electro voice 15W (16 ohm), (and the Klipschorn variation of that woofer) had pleated fabric edges as the flexible material to allow movement of the cone. Replacement cone must be that pleated fabric edge type: a complete surround/cone/coil/dust cap kit (very rare these days); or a replacement woofer ready to go. I suggest checking the woofer details and availability of replacement parts/drivers before you buy a speaker with no parts/drivers available. Replacing woofer cones, or drivers, you want to replace both sides, so consider that when finding/buying replacements. Yes, you can substitute a modern available driver of similar specs, so it’s not a dead end, just know first. I just checked min on hifishark, no surround kits or 15w woofers available world wide. Substitute woofer, 16 ohm ideally, but 8 ohm can be used, a slight change to frequency response will occur from the crossover(not really critical compared to giving up) |
@oscar44 That's funny! @gdnrbob I'll reach out to see if parts are available, Good advice! @mijostyn As it turns out, I can solder, so I'll look into in when Cap replacement time comes. Not that I'd do it (I am more of a traditionalist), but I could theoretically find a new color/tone/sheen material for a fresh look. Interesting. |
Possible, but not probable. If there are electrolytics in them, they need to be recapped. Replacing mylar caps will increase transparency. Plus, NO speaker I ever bought sounded like the day I bought them after a play in. |
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