Vandersteen 2c -- Foam Issues


I'm thinking about buying a pair of Vandersteen 2c. But I'm a little worried because I have read about foam breaking down. How do you check to see whether the foam has detoriated? Will the foam eventually detoriate even if has not yet? Am I better of spending about $250 more and buying Vandersteen 2ce due to this issue? Thanks for any responses.
skf3636
First I've heard about this being an issue. I've been using Vandy's since 79. Take a chance and call Richard---but, be forewarned, if this is truly not an issue, be prepared to get an ear full!!!!!!
They are foam surrounds and will break down over the course of time. I had all of the woofers replaced for a friend of mine a few years ago for his 2Cs. I sent the old ones back to Vandersteen and he sent new ones. I think it was around 100.00 back then.
I bought some original 2s that were pretty old and the foam was shot. I replaced the drivers and all was fine.
thanks for the responses. The reason I asked whether how someone might check the condition of the foam, is that I read somewhere that this could possibly be done with a flashlight through the grill. But I'm a complete newbie and am not quite sure what I would be looking for. Is there a way to check the condition of the foam without taking the speaker sock off? What are the signs when the foam detoriates, if it ever does? Or am I being paranoid about a non-issue,i.e., if the speakers sound good just buy them and worry about this issue later IF it ever arises? Thanks again for the respones, they are helpful.