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Buying used: how old is too old?

All,

Considering buying some used speakers from a well established company, e.g., Wilson, Focal, B&W, etc.

Aside from obvious technology updates, do speakers have a shelf life? If so is this measured in overall life, or number of hours played?

I’ve read some reviews that some speakers can really improve with age, no doubt longevity is going to be influenced by speaker drivers. Perhaps paper breaks down before other materials—I don’t know.

Old flagships can be bought for a fraction of their original cost and less than new mid-level speakers. No break in needed! But maybe they would be broken down?

I’m sure there have been numerous threads on this topic, but I didn’t find much in my search and am also interested in any recent experience on the topic.

Would be really interested to hear thoughts, opinions, and experience with this.

Thanks!
w123ale
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,514 posts
 
"...I’m thinking more of the 4-5 year old speaker than the 20-30..."

You are GTG in that time frame. As they get older, it depends on the materials used in the drivers. Titanium horns, GTG. Foam surrounds, not as great. 
ghdprentice
7,016 posts
 
4-5 years… absolutely go for it. I have not often bought used, but did a couple times… high end 4 -5 years old I would just consider, broken in for you. Speakers tend to have very long lifetimes. I have had some speakers for over 20 years and I still remark (last night) at how great they sound (B&W 805, 25 years old)… the source components have been upgraded many times.
raysmtb1's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
raysmtb1
800 posts
 
Look at the guy you’re buying them from. If he’s an older fella and he listens to classical music poor Teppy is a young dude who is the head banger I would rather buy from the old guy.
tablejockey
3,913 posts
 
You could request the serial numbers then contact the manufacturer to find the born on date.

Not always possible, but doesn't hurt to try. 
bjesien
1,306 posts
 
At times I’ve emailed the company that made them to see if they have replacement parts. Some good manufacturers tweak parts so they can’t always be found. Many use stuff that you can buy for $300 and pay $3000. This is a tricky business because many dealers typically don’t want to help with cheap repairs to non retail paying customers. Some in the business won’t support products from a second owner.  After some time you see the ones that work and support and the ones that mooch off supply line.
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