How long do powered subs usually last?

[slashbinslashbash]

Since no one mentioned this, it also depends on how hard you drive it. If you're sitting there pushing your subs/speakers to their limit every day, probably wont last long. My polk audio monitor 70s I blew my tweeters out twice. But I also threw 3 parties a week at college. If you're simply just listening to music/movies at normal levels though probably can last a LONG time if you take care of it.

Blowing out your tweeters = playing too loud with an under-powered amp that was clipping.

 

[alcoholbob]

Blowing out your tweeters = playing too loud with an under-powered amp that was clipping.

Well it also possible to blow tweeters by overpowering them however I agree that anyone on a polk budget probably blew them because of a cheap amp.

 

[Carson Dyle]

I own a 35 year old receiver, so...

 

[alcoholbob]

JLAudio uses Santoprene, at least nowadays they do. Foam is lighter but most companies today use a hybrid for home subs.

For the Fathom series a while back a JL rep was bragging about the F113 using foam for higher sound quality, so I imagine it's reserved for those with deep pockets and willing to replace their sub often anyway.

I own a 35 year old receiver, so...

You should probably check the capacitors on that receiver, I imagine some of them have been gone for a couple decades 😀

 

[SlickSnake]

I need to point this out about stored subs, or speakers, suffering damage. Where were they stored? Unregulated humidity and temperatures that rise and falls a lot can destroy speakers. People might store them in thier attics, or basements, or in an outside storage room, or just in closet in a house with the door usually closed that might be next to an outside wall or laundry room or kitchen or bathroom. The speakers may survive a bit better and longer if stored in their original boxes, rather than just sitting in a closed cold or hot environment, too. The box will add a bit of insulation from the humidity and temperature changes.

Basically the problem with unregulated humidity is the glues and materials that make up the speaker cones, and even the cabinets, will start to deteriorate. Not to mention, unregulated humidity and temperature changes may also cause rust and corrosion on electrical parts, too.

You will also notice the same sort of deteriorating effects in an abandoned house that sits for a few years with no interior temperature or humidity control. The wallpaper and paint will start to peel, and any glues used to hold mirrors or paneling to the wall will start to separate. Even glued doors and cabinets will separate and start to warp and crack.

 

[richardycc]

I jinxed myself...I was listening to a bass heavy song the other day and I can hear the F1500's woofer is making some noise, like bottoming out... the only way to make it stop is to lower the volume, then what is the point of having a sub if I have to set the vol so low....guess I will need to look for a new sub soon. I have an outlaw LFM-1 EX for movies already, not bad for under $600, cheaply bulit thou, looks like it has about $300 worth of parts. The Velodyne is my 2.1 music only sub, looking at the rythmik d15se as the replacement.

 

[sdifox]

I jinxed myself...I was listening to a bass heavy song the other day and I can hear the F1500's woofer is making some noise, like bottoming out... the only way to make it stop is to lower the volume, then what is the point of having a sub if I have to set the vol so low....guess I will need to look for a new sub soon. I have an outlaw LFM-1 EX for movies already, not bad for under $600, cheaply bulit thou, looks like it has about $300 worth of parts. The Velodyne is my 2.1 music only sub, looking at the rythmik d15se as the replacement.

if you are really into low frequency, build your own IB sub.

 

[alkemyst]

In reality, most don't ever realize their stuff has degraded. Many don't even realize when an entire driver in a speaker is out.

In reality, how long your gear lasts is very dependent on how it was built.

In reality, you need to just really test it if you think there is a problem with it.

I have a Klipsch Heritage setup (Academy and two Quartets). I have had them since 1995 once I had to sell my major system at that time (and sort of glad I did as the Klipsch sound I like better)

Around 2008? I found they weren't fired on all cylinders. Ordered rebuild kits and still have that front stage with SS25's in the rear.

People that have listened to my setup in my 'poor house' have actually gone to Craigslist in the past. Now they can order direct from Klipsch more or less due to them bringing back the Heritage line and even better.

 

[Tiamat]

If you have moderate climate and good power, low dust, they can last until you don't need them anymore as long as they didn't cheapen out on internal components (bad capacitors, etc.).

 

[Kadarin]

I have an old Klipsch sub I bought in 2000 that still works great.