Speaker life expectancy: How long can you buy used


I'm in the process of assembling a cost-effective second system with high quality used or demo gear for use in a relatively small room (appr. 20qm, normal height, wardrobe, big window, carpet, sofa, apart from the size of the window quite average really).
I saw a pair of Avalon Monitors, that I think could fit the bill at 30% of the original price, mint by the looks of them BUT seven years old! In spite of the good things I hear about Avalon's longevity, I do wonder whether it is wise to buy a seven year used speaker, any speaker.
Apart from considerations of wear, where would you draw the line that even a steeply discounted speaker of justified fame in its own time will likely not be able to compete anymore with new products that may cost just about the same amount of money, new that is. And are there exceptions to the rule?
Any considerations or experience you may want to share?
Karel
karelfd
I would say that you should buy them. If you can inspect them prior to purchase, then take the front covers off and inspect the surrounds, etc. This should solve any hesitations.
I suspect that years alone is a poor measuring tool.

I would guess hours of use, how the speakers were driven, and temperature/humidity conditions are more important determinants.

IMO
Nice thread and a possibility to find info on a pair of Mission 750's I recently brought. The back of the spkrs say limited edition(1977-1997) 20th anniversary and are signed. Biwireable and sound great. They replaced a pair of Epos ELS-3. The woofers remind me of the Monitor Audio gear. Good listening Karelfd.
Oops! My EV Patricians are 40 years old (not 30 as I indicated). They are from ther late 60's. And, again, they still sound great.
30% off does not seem like a good discount on used speakers, but if that is the "market rate"....