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How old is the current speaker? [message #99021]

Thu, 23 October 2025 10:37

George
Messages: 59
Registered: September 2025

Baron

It seems that most speakers don't last longer as they start having one issue after another as the years go by. When it comes to selecting a good speaker, what is your target and how do you always go about picking the one that can last longer with no issues?

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Re: How old is the current speaker? [message #99026 is a reply to message #99021]

Thu, 23 October 2025 16:17

Wayne Parham
Messages: 19036
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

Setting aside overload - mechanical or electrical - most speakers can be expected to last decades. The main thing that affects a speaker that is very old is the paper cone can get brittle. But I rarely see that on a speaker that is indoors in a controlled environment with pleasant temperature and average humidity. I usually see that in speakers that have been stored in hot, dry places like garages and storage units. The environment can also be hard on speakers in cars for the same reason.

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Re: How old is the current speaker? [message #99110 is a reply to message #99026]

Mon, 24 November 2025 09:55

Becky
Messages: 114
Registered: September 2025

Viscount

I’ve noticed that too, especially with the speakers my friends buy. For me, I just look for ones that have good long-term reviews and not just the “sounds great out of the box” stuff. I also try to stick to brands that people say actually last.

I don’t really have a fancy method, but if it feels well-built and not super cheap or plasticky, I trust it more. And I try not to blast them at full volume all the time, that seems to make them die faster.

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Re: How old is the current speaker? [message #99128 is a reply to message #99021]

Thu, 04 December 2025 12:12

Prince
Messages: 83
Registered: September 2025

Viscount

George wrote on Thu, 23 October 2025 10:37

It seems that most speakers don't last longer as they start having one issue after another as the years go by. When it comes to selecting a good speaker, what is your target and how do you always go about picking the one that can last longer with no issues?

As an oldie in the business of buying speakers (for my home, for my kids at school and even for the offìce), I will be glad if you take some of these tips that I will share with you seriously.

The first one is that before you even start checking out models, you should be sure of what you are buying the speaker. Is it for the bedroom? For camping activities? Or for house parties? It is when you make this decision that you can be able to know which model to go for.

Another thing that I always say is that it is very important to understand what a good speaker should cost. If you are planning to get a good speaker, you should be putting aside around $90. I mean anything around 40 dollars is not what I can rate that high.

The other thing that I look at when getting a quality speaker that can last longer is what features it has and newer physical outputs and if possible, test all the features before deciding to make payment for the speaker.

This time is also a good time to buy as the Black Friday deals are a time when newer models are in the market with some good discounts that you can take advantage of.

Finally, you should look at getting speakers that come with a warranty. Most top brands that are sure of their products won't mind giving a longer warranty. So, go for them.

I wish you the best of luck if you are yet to pick one.

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Re: How old is the current speaker? [message #99397 is a reply to message #99021]

Fri, 08 May 2026 23:59

Kurt
Messages: 19
Registered: December 2025

Chancellor

The thing is that most speakers are expected to last for at least 10 years before they begin to give any issues whatsoever.

I purchased the Klipsch RF-7 floorstanders in 2003 for $1500 a pair which means I've used them for more than 2 decades. It was one of the most expensive speakers then, but I needed to get a sound device that could withstand the test of time.

To be honest, those speakers haven't had a major issue since then aside from the rubber surrounds on the woofers, which I spent $150 to replace when they were worn out.

Also, the good thing about Klipsch is that their spare parts are readily available in the market, so you won't spend so much getting them if there is a fault with the speaker.

I don't know the kind of room that you wish to use them in. Could you mind sharing?

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Re: How old is the current speaker? [message #99401 is a reply to message #99397]

Sat, 09 May 2026 14:34

gofar99
Messages: 2025
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona

Illuminati (5th Degree)

Hi I find that well designed and constructed speakers last a really long time. I have vintage Altec Lansings and Klipsch (not the corner ones though) and they have the original drivers and are just fine after nearly 50 years. Some other brands are less durable. It is not necessarily more cost is equal to better speakers. Cheap ones though excepted. Pretty much any below $200 each are not going to deliver the sound quality or durability you want. Clearance sales at some of the better quality audio stores can be a good source for speakers. I have seen some really nice speakers the list for over $500 each going for as little as $200.

Good Listening
Bruce

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Re: How old is the current speaker? [message #99444 is a reply to message #99401]

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:58

Prince
Messages: 83
Registered: September 2025

Viscount

gofar99 wrote on Sat, 09 May 2026 14:34

Hi I find that well designed and constructed speakers last a really long time. I have vintage Altec Lansings and Klipsch (not the corner ones though) and they have the original drivers and are just fine after nearly 50 years. Some other brands are less durable. It is not necessarily more cost is equal to better speakers. Cheap ones though excepted. Pretty much any below $200 each is not going to deliver the sound quality or durability you want. Clearance sales at some of the better quality audio stores can be a good source for speakers. I have seen some really nice speakers the list for over $500 each going for as little as $200.

I've gotten some good deals from clearance sales. I have a friend who run an audio store, and each time that they have new arrivals, I am one of the first persons that he calls. There are speakers that I've gotten for less than a thousand bucks that still sound pretty good after many years of using them. So, I support the idea of checking such stores out for some good deals.

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