How long do the speakers last before a service?

My understanding is that most cone based speakers will last 15-25 years plus easy. There really is no "calibration" or repair unless you blow a driver. I've heard varied stories on some planars, electrostatics etc. but even they should usually be good for at least 10 plus years I'd think. I know I've heard many 5-15 year old speaker that perform as they should.

First, if the used speakers were driven by adequate amplification they should sound better than new since they are already broken in. Second, if you buy used speakers make sure your amplification is adequate since underpowering speakers will quickly lead to their destruction. In the world of ss amplification there isn't such a thing as too much power. Third, in the real world, your speakers will outlive you if you don't do something stupid.

More speakers get damaged by moving them than playing them. Set them up correctly and leave well enough alone. Learn to power up and down your electronics correctly and keep others away from the controls.

There have ben cases where the butyl foam surrounds around woofers deteriorates over time - it's happened to me with a pair of approx. 12-year-old CTS 15's. But it's not a major problem because the woofers can be re-foamed or even completely re-coned. In my case the foam just rotted away & the problem was visually obvious.

Some how the clown how had my avalons before me blew all of the drivers(I have NO clue how they pulled that off) but I replaced all of the drivers with help from Avalon directly and just had to deal with the horrible break-in, it wasn't a big deal and WAY cheaper then even shipping speakers. I did that 5 years ago now and not an ounce of trouble. fwiw Speakers are the only component-in my system- that have never been down or replaced. ~Tim

Is there any reason to turn the cones 180 degrees every five years or so? Would this help prevent the rubber surrounds to hold there shape longer?

Is there any reason to turn the cones 180 degrees every five years or so? Would this help prevent the rubber surrounds to hold there shape longer?

With the exception of foam surrounds, most speakers are pretty indestructible--unless you do something to destroy them. I've got some 20-year-old rubber sourrounds that are still in good shape.