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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
david12
1,454 posts
 
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.
davt's avatar
davt
500 posts
 
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.
oregon
817 posts
 
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.
markphd
667 posts
 
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.
studioray
42 posts
 
"BUT seven years old!" Why do you think that is old? My experience has been that most speakers last a very, very long time. Maybe cars, computers, and TVs seem old after seven years, but most speakers are more like a wristwatch or camera - moving parts yes, but so what? Seven years is nothing with these items or with most speakers.
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