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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
bdgregory
1,712 posts
 
my reaction is the same as others above - 7 years old is nearly new!

"Older" speakers can be a far better value than newer - especially in this hobby where we're prone to upgrade. The price/performance far exceeds new speakers, and most of the depreciation in value is done.

I have multiple speaker sets from the '90s and earlier. I have a pair of Infinity Monitor IIa's I bought in '75 that still sound wonderful.
winoguy17
1,119 posts
 
7 years isnt old. I've got stuff in my refrigerator older than that...!
larryi
3,979 posts
 
I would guess that a 7 year old Avalon that has not been abused should be fine for a long, long, time. Some foam surrounds on woofers had a short life, but, that was discovered a while back so your speakers should be safe.

I know a lot of people running 60 year old drivers in systems that would completely shock those who think technology has advanced the state of the art.
donshoemaker
38 posts
 
Altec Valencia B's.Basically Yoice of the Theatres in a more domesticated enclosure.Early 60's,making them almost 45 years old! Accordian paper surround on woofers,metal diaphragms on horns.Oil bath capacitors.Great with low power set triode amps,a little edgy with solid state.Almost nothing above 10,000hz,but you won't miss it.I added APT supertweeters to mine.A lot of support for these,a lot of pro audio stores carry parts as the components used are the same/similar.Low WAF,though. These are very room imposing.Many Klipsch horn speakers are in the same category.
karelfd OP
476 posts
 
Thanks to everyone. Sorry if I left the impression that I dump my gear every couple of years. I owned my first serious speakers (Arcus TL200) for about 15 years myself. Only, I did have my doubts whether it is worthwhile to still buy components of a certain age. From what I read, I need not worry.

Very interesting to read how many different speakers are still going strong after decades. I like the thought that the instruments of our shared passion mark a stronghold of quality in throw-away society, at least those where the manufacturer must have shared the passion as well. Comforting.
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