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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!
bigtex22
emrofsemanon's avatar
emrofsemanon
292 posts
 
have a pair of realistic nova 6 speakers dating from 1971. they still work as designed. a pair of magnapans from 1982, they still work as designed. a pair of thiel cs.5 speakers from the late 90s that still work as designed. newest ones are a pair of vandersteen 1ci speakers that are only a few years old. 
hawkrider00
9 posts
 
I bought my Tannoy 638’s when I was in the Navy in 1994 on a port visit in Dubai. They are still perfect, though I have replaced a blown tweeter once. 
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,941 posts
 
@oldhvymec....Wow.....

"Infinity InfiniTesimal RS 0.1. 1978 I have 2 pairs...."

I remember listening to a pair of them and thinking:
 "..these would be spectacular in 2 pairs....and a correctly sized sub..."

Did you?  Do you now?  Just curious...;)
dutchamps's avatar
dutchamps
8 posts
 
If there is not much ultraviolet from the sun on the driver's I bet the electrolytes are bad within 10 years... Or go bad. 
Depends on temperatures and hours of playing. Crossover rebuilding can improve and extent the selflife. Another advantage is no a days there are much better electrolytes, improves the sound a lot. 
jw944ts's avatar
jw944ts
331 posts
 
I have had a lovely pair of Von Schweikert VR4.5 Silver Edition for over 30 years, and they still perform wonderfully, including several home relocations.  Cosmetically some cat damage to grill cloth, only.....
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