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How long do good speakers last?

I just ordered a set of Sonus Faber Olympica Nova Vs, my first foray into nice speakers. I turn 51 this month and am hoping these will be the last speakers I ever buy. But it got me to thinking - how long should I expect these speakers to last? Or any good speakers for that matter? Does the foam eventually break down? Issues with general wear and tear? Appreciate your perspectives!
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fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
Keep them out of the sun. Should last 20 years or so before you need to replace surrounds if you don't abuse them. Amplifier clipping will damage tweeters.
uncleang
109 posts
 
Good to see so many people looking after their gear.

My Walsh 4's were made in 1984 and re-foamed in 1998.
Currently being re-foamed for a 2nd time after 23 years of service.
I was advised by OHM that they're actually in pretty good shape but they're being re-foamed as preventative maintenance and to offset shipping costs.

They get lots of good clean power from my NAK PA-7A MKII amp.
That helps longevity also.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,426 posts
 
Totally dependent on materials and environment. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Good speakers last until they're not good any more.
ghdprentice
6,823 posts
 
They should last longer than you do. I have a set (7) of 28 year old B&W 805’s. Sound great. On a couple of the subwoofers (I actually owned 4)  I had them “re-taped” after 20 years… that’s the connection of the cones to the frame.

Happily I bought set of new speakers when I was around your age. Then when around 60 I was able to upgrade to Olympica 3 before my retirement… and then in retirement to SF Amati Traditional. May you be as fortunate.

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