How long do speakers last?

for others considering very old speakers:

Many very old woofers, like my electro voice 15W (16 ohm), (and the Klipschorn variation of that woofer) had pleated fabric edges as the flexible material to allow movement of the cone.

Replacement cone must be that pleated fabric edge type: a complete surround/cone/coil/dust cap kit (very rare these days); or a replacement woofer ready to go.

I suggest checking the woofer details and availability of replacement parts/drivers before you buy a speaker with no parts/drivers available. Replacing woofer cones, or drivers, you want to replace both sides, so consider that when finding/buying replacements.

Yes, you can substitute a modern available driver of similar specs, so it’s not a dead end, just know first.

I just checked min on hifishark, no surround kits or 15w woofers available world wide.

Substitute woofer, 16 ohm ideally, but 8 ohm can be used, a slight change to frequency response  will occur from the crossover(not really critical compared to giving up)

@oscar44 That's funny!

@gdnrbob I'll reach out to see if parts are available, Good advice!

@mijostyn As it turns out, I can solder, so I'll look into in when Cap replacement time comes. Not that I'd do it (I am more of a traditionalist), but I could theoretically find a new color/tone/sheen material for a fresh look. Interesting.

I have a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 10's that I bought brand new in 1987 that are in mint condition and sound like they did the day I first hooked them up.

Possible, but not probable. If there are electrolytics in them, they need to be recapped. Replacing mylar caps will increase transparency.

Plus, NO speaker I ever bought sounded like the day I bought them after a play in.

@allenf1963 I had those years ago. There were great speakers for the time. They killed Advent and ARs and the like, Just don't let them sit for long periods of time. The mid drivers tend to freeze up.