2. speakers
  3. 182742-171300

How long do speakers last?

I ask because I have an opportunity to buy a pair of Von Schweikert VR-33's for an insanely good price. I get it: "it depends how hard they have been driven", but judging by the condition they were very nicely taken care of. My only concern is that will need repairs in the future whereas I could just spend that money on new speakers. On the other hand they sound fantastic. Just curious about the lifespan. They'd be a nice upgrade from my Klipsch bookshelves / sub combo.

mucker
ricmci
219 posts
 

I have a pair of speakers that are 30 yo. Nothing has been done to them and they still sound outstanding. If they look good and sound good, I would take the chance. You can always resell for minimal loss. Some times you gotta take a chance! 

 

sj00884's avatar
sj00884
80 posts
 

Note on Millersound, you should contact Bill directly first as I believe he does not work on all brands and is pretty emphatic about it.  I live in close proximity and have used his services a few times. Does really nice work and might be able to offer a tweak or two as well as the repair   

http://www.millersound.net/

secretguy
1,710 posts
 
winnardt

158 posts

 

One of the safest bets in old speakers are Magnepans. No voice coils to burn out, no surrounds to dry up and disintegrate, no fancy cabinetry to get banged up. There is really very little to damage or go wrong in a Maggie but you do have to be careful around that ribbon tweeter. 

Delamination is common on these.

coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
790 posts
 

I’ve 14 years on a pair of Martin Logan’s, and they’re barely broken in as electrostats, I’d believe the VS will be worth the risk.

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
430 posts
 

As others have said here, the big question is the bass driver surrounds.  Are they foam or rubber?  The foam surrounds can be counted on to hold up for 10 years and often longer.  But not that much longer.

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