When it comes to purchasing speakers, one of the biggest concerns people have is how long the speakers will last. This is a valid concern, as no one wants to spend a lot of money on a product that is going to break down after a few months.
In this blog post, we will discuss how long do speakers last and what you can do to make them last longer. We will also provide some tips for choosing the right speaker for your needs.
Do Speakers Go Bad With Age?
One of the first things we need to address is whether or not speakers go bad with age. The answer to this question is a little bit complicated.
In general, most speakers will last for a few years before they start to show signs of wear and tear. However, there are some factors that can shorten the lifespan of your speakers.
One of the biggest factors that can shorten the lifespan of your speakers is exposure to moisture.
If you live in a humid climate or if your speakers are constantly exposed to moisture, they will not last as long as speakers that are located in a dry environment and may cause issues such as a buzzing noise from your speakers.
Another factor that can affect the lifespan of your speakers is how often they are used. If you use your speakers every day, they will not last as long as speakers that are only used a few times a week.
Finally, the age of the speaker can also affect its lifespan. Most speakers start to show signs of wear and tear after they have been around for a few years.
The better quality components have a longer lifespan. The main reason to maintain a loudspeaker is to maintain its quality throughout its lifecycle. Cheap computers speakers can last 5 to 6 years unless they are regularly used.
This ultra-affordable model often features substandard components that wear down. High-end speakers should also be durable for tens of years if maintained in good condition.
So, to answer the question, do speakers go bad with age? The answer is yes, but it depends on a number of factors.
Components of a speaker that typicaly wear out
There are several components to a speaker that will typically wear out over time. The most common component is the speaker cone.
The cone is responsible for converting an electrical signal into sound waves, and as such, it is constantly vibrating. Over time, this vibration will cause the cone to weaken and eventually fail.
Other components that may wear out include the voice coil, magnet, and surround.
The voice coil is responsible for moving the cone and is typically made of a very thin wire. This wire can eventually break from the constant vibration.
The magnet helps to create the sound waves by interacting with the voice coil, and over time it can lose its power.
Finally, the surround is the ring that sits around the edge of the cone and helps to keep it in place. It can eventually tear or come loose from the cone.
If any of these components fail, the speaker will not be able to produce sound. In most cases, speakers can be repaired if only one component has failed.
However, if multiple components have failed, it is often more cost-effective to simply replace the speaker.
Tips for making your speaker last longer
Volume
Having the volume too loud will damage your speaker over time. Try to keep the volume at a moderate level, so you can still enjoy your music without damaging the speaker.
High volume causes the speaker to work harder, which will damage the speaker over time.
Cleaning
It’s important to keep your speaker clean, so that dust and other particles don’t build up and cause damage. Use a soft cloth to wipe down your speaker regularly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your speaker, as this can damage the finish.
Keeping your speaker clean will help it last longer. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the speaker. Be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners, as this can damage the finish on your speaker.
Location
Where you place your speaker can also affect how long it lasts. Try to keep your speaker away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause the speaker to overheat and damage the internals. Also avoid placing your speaker in a dusty or humid environment, as this can also cause damage.
By following these simple tips, you can help your speaker last longer. Keep the volume at a moderate level, clean it regularly, and place it in a safe location. By doing this, you’ll be able to enjoy your music for years to come.
Do old speakers sound bad?
Often older vintage music and audio equipment sound better than new ones. The case for speakers is very unlikely because the components in these devices will wear over time.
But that does not mean old speakers do sound awful either. The sound quality produced by a speaker should remain good if it is properly maintained. However, if the speaker is used a lot, it will eventually wear down and the sound quality will diminish.
Manufacturers typically do not build long-term durability into their products because they know that most people will upgrade to the latest model after a few years. Especially with the way modern manufacturing is done.
So, while an old speaker may still produce good sound, it likely won’t last as long as a newer model.
If you are after longevity, have a look at some older models such as the Bose 901. This is an older speaker that stands the test of time.
That’s not to say that newer speakers won’t last as long, but we just don’t know how long they will actually last or if they will have problems after 5 or 10 years. Time will tell!
Always be sure to go with a good brand though such as Klipsch or Polk.
