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
7 years old? what a youngster! ditto I have some speakers 30 and 35 years old and they sound great.
My mother is using my Leak speakers bought 2nd hand in 1969 and my son is using Monitor Audio speakers bought in 1988. Can anyone beat 37 years?
The problem is aging of the rubber surrounds of old drivers and presumably, crossover component failure.
I know mine will last at least 25years, thats when the warranty runs out. I think that we live in a culture where we assume that we need to continualy change and that everything is very temporary and easily replaced and I think that colors our perception of longevity. I think speakers will last many many years if well cared for.
Go for it (as long as they are in good condition and come with the stands). I've owned Avalon Monitors- 2 pairs, and Eclipses, all were/are great speakers. They don't wear out, per se. But more likely to be abused and troulblesome.
Again, if they sound good, they will last many years.
I had to throw my thirty year old speakers away. Then again, I only paid $40 dollars for them used.

The speakers you're looking at are a great buy. As long as the surrounds are good, they will last many more years.