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Subwoofer failings and their use-related reasons

Inspired by the current thread "My JL Audio sub is dead. What exactly happened?," I’d like to ask more generally (i.e.: not brand specific; but you are free to answer brand specific if you so desire) about any experience-based, typical correlation between the type of use of subwoofers (I’ll make no distinction here between home theater subs and hifi dittos) and their malfunctions. The weak link in particular appears to be the plate amps mounted in the subs and blown capacitors here, and this has a tendency to happen within a few years - irrespective of the type of use, it would seem. Please correct me if I’m wrong on this.

But what about the drivers? Much has been said (theorized?) about the strain put on these units with their excursion abilities in some cases approaching 4" and the significant mechanical and thermal "stress" that follows. However, in practical use - even among the most ardent of cinephile bass-freaks - what does actual experience tell you? Unless the drivers are "blown" thermally and/or mechanically damaged, does years of more or less heavy use eventually wear them out, so to speak? Please chime in.
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phusis OP
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@erik_squires --

Oh, we can agree on how size matters here, but as we both know even those who’ve equipped their listening space with dual 15"+ subs may be inclined to use them... how shall we say - frivolous! My main focus with this thread is not so much to come about ways to limit cone excursion (but thanks for bringing it up), but rather (also) from a more pragmatic viewpoint to assess the "data" of those who’re using their subs, regardless of size, occasionally close to the limits of their capabilities, and how this affects the drivers long-term - as well as the built-in amps, for that matter.

My own sub sports a 16" driver (SVS SB16-Ultra) btw, and had space permitted I’d have been tempted to use two of them. As is the single sub performs and blends in marvelously positioned between my main speakers. I even considered the Funk Audio 21.0L, but just one of those would’ve challenged the interiors of my listening space..

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