Many people out there are still holding questions about the longevity of speakers. Well, sincerely speaking, speakers can be long-lasting under great care and vice versa. This implies that the way you take care of your electronics determines their lifespan. Therefore, the answer to this question is exciting because there are various factors that can still affect the speaker’s longevity.
This report will try to cover some essential information concerning the causatives and what you can do to enhance the lifespan of your speakers. Remember, long-lasting speakers guarantee outstanding listening experience when it comes to entertainment.
So, how long do these speakers actually last?
From the introductory part, it’s hard to determine the exact period that a certain speaker can last because of factors like its material, care and maintenance, brand, etc. But, under great care, believe me; these items can survive for a couple of years. Excluding all the peripheral factors, once you expose your speakers to proper care, they can give you a lifetime companionship.
Yes, I say so because we still have homeowners with speakers from the 80s and 70s; they are still in good condition and functioning. My neighbor has a 10-year old speaker and they are impressive enough to fulfill the entertainment purposes. It works fine and its outlook is still ‘new’ because of care and maintenance.
If you ask someone who has been in an audio game will recommend the best and long-lasting speakers for you. They can even give or show you samples of their old models that are still kicking. The point here is that, whether old or new, some speakers can work almost indefinitely. The exciting fact is that the technology has upgraded and new materials like Kevlar and fiber are now being used to enhance their durability that eventually prolong their lifespan.
It’s therefore advisable to go for high-quality speakers to spare you from regular speaker replacements.
Reliable ways to prolong the lifespan of speakers
The exciting fact about passive loudspeakers is that, once under proper treatment, you can be able to enjoy great audio for an extended period. Below are some of the best ways to extend the lifespan of any speaker whether active loudspeakers or passive ones:
1. Fighting the dust
Dust becomes one of the common enemies of any loudspeaker. And it isn’t just aesthetic attention! Dust tends to infiltrate the wire connection, especially where the metal and wire meet, disrupting the electric signals. This is usually run between the loudspeakers and the source.
Dust accumulation in your speaker will definitely result in irritating noise to the system’s sound; it’s hectic, mostly when you want to hear your favorite song. Occasionally, huge dust accumulation may destroy the loudspeakers and their wirings too.
Therefore to curb such a problem, it’s advisable to ensure that your speakers are placed in a dust-free room. If the room accumulates dust, let it not be too much. However, this action could be challenging to some folks due to their environmental residence. Therefore, you need to wipe out dust regularly and ensure the speakers are clean.
We have a lot of items that can be useful when cleaning speakers i.e., dust pads, air canisters, dry cloths, and vacuum cleaners. They are all safe and won’t harm your speakers; but you should be much careful not to destroy the tweeter or cone drivers. I would like to warn you on using any kind of liquid detergent while cleaning your speakers.
2. Protect your speakers from heat
You are required to station your loudspeakers far away from direct sunlight and windows. Sometimes sunlight exposure may cause the speaker to overheat, mostly those without less-than-perfect thermal material. Failure to do so may destroy the electromagnetic voice coils, yet they are crucial for enhancing a consistent electrical flow between the loudspeaker and the source.
For this case, Audioengine HDP6 becomes a high-performing and excellent passive loudspeaker that can be stationed on bookshelves. That’s why they are also known as Bookshelf speakers.
3. Be careful about static electricity
Here is another big threat for loudspeakers apart from heat and dust. I thought you should know that static electricity accumulation may trigger burn-out of the speakers. Therefore to minimize such risks, you are supposed to buy anti-static floor mats as part of your carpets.
Dry air acts as an insulator, allowing static electricity accumulation which goes up to a dangerous level. So, the best solution for this threat is to invest in a high quality Humidifier and station it in the room with your system. But, it’s not advisable to station the humidifier too close to the loudspeakers.
4. Protect your speakers from power surges
This threat mostly affects high-end audio systems and speakers, but it’s recommendable to control how the system sources its power. Though passive loudspeakers do not source power directly, the music source like amplifier, turntable, or receiver can be affected by power surge. They source their power directly, and this could be really strenuous to all components attached to the system.
This is the exact reason why it’s advisable to buy Voltage Regulator and Uninterruptible Power Supply (USP) like Furman F1500-UPS. These gadgets can monitor and protect the entire system.
5. Ensure there is proper ventilation
Another action that you need to perform is to equip your speakers with adequate airflow. Doing so is advisable to cool the speakers while playing. Some folks will tell you how it is useful to set your fan blowing around the speakers while playing loudly. Sometimes it is also advisable to station your speakers some inches away from the wall or any tight space.
Frequently asked questions:
- How is the approximate lifespan of speakers?
It roughly ranges from 10 to 25 years; it’s not limited to this.
- How long can I replace my speakers?
You should do so after every 6 to 6 years.
Final words
Speakers can serve you for decades based on the conditions you expose them to. Under great care and maintenance, these items may last up to 25 years; unless you just want to replace them. This paper talks about how long you can rely on a certain speaker and the way to enhance its lifespan.
