Buying speakers ten or more years old a good idea?

I think you answered the question yourself, Larryi. It can be a very very good idea if the surrounds are in good shape. Unless I miss my guess, that's the only part of a speaker that can "wear out". Crossovers can be upgraded w higher quality capacitors and resistors, ditto w binding posts and wiring. But if not abused, the drivers should never wear out. Of course, I'm talking dynamic drivers, not panels or plasma tweeters (not sure about ribbons). If a pair of speakers sounds good w your amp, really should not matter what they cost.

My current speakers were first purchased in 1993, I am the second owner. They perform exceptionally well with my more modern components. The only issue I've had was a blown tweeter due to operator error, long story. I was able to source the part from the manufacturers.

If I was going to purchase older equipment, I would look into component replacement parts availability.

Good Luck

You can pick up used Thiel 5i's, 3.6's and 7.2's for ridiculously low prices now and those speakers can outperform any number of new speakers. I'm sure others know of similar makes and models. There are some real classics out there that are well worth a purchase. Only problem is that some, like the Thiels, need a high quality front end to perform optimally.

Thanks Vhiner
After reading your post i checked out thiel reveiws , it seems they are a great speaker and am seriously looking in using them
Do you believe they require huge amps?
Cheers

It's like anything else. Some products, whether speakers, amps, or cars, are
classics distinguished by a synergistic combination of forward thinking, sound
engineering, meticulous manufacturing, and high performance.

One sweet spot is the $400-600. For a new speaker that's a decent pair of
stand-mounted monitors with good midrange, but limited sensitivity, bass
extension, and dynamic range. For the same money you can pick up any number
of lightly used room-filling floorstanders such as the Aperion 633T or Mirage
M5si with transparent midrange, smooth treble, and bass that reaches down to
the low 30s or high 20s. That'll also save you the cost of augmenting the
monitors with subwoofers, which is an inevitable add-on for some.

Also, some used speakers hold up better than others depending on parts and
cabinet quality. Speaker cones with foam surrounds will need the surrounds
replaced about every 20 years. Those with butyl surrounds (e.g., ADS) neverl will.
Some older speakers were heavy and well-braced, others were not and have
more cabinet resonances. Examples: The Aperions I mentioned use 1" thick HDF
for the cabinet and they weigh 77 lbs each. My Mirage M5si's also have thick
walls, are well braced, and weigh 85 lbs. each. ADS speakers are sealed and well-
put together and also have very inert cabinets along with the butyl surround
woofers.