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To Replace or Repair? That Is the Question!
Actually, Here Are 5 Questions To Help You Decide Whether To Renew The Life Of Your Vintage Speakers
You have had those speakers for a while. They sounded awesome in the early days but now….not so much. Maybe they are crackling, perhaps one is silent, or it could be some other funky issue with the audio quality that bothers you. Should these old gems be read their last rights and then sent to spend eternity in the landfill? Or should you resurrect, refresh, and revitalize them? The answer isn’t always obvious and it isn’t necessarily the same for everyone. Like a classic car, a vintage watch, or an antique piano, the answer is “it depends.” Here are five questions to help bring you clarity.
Q1 – How sentimental are your speakers? Sometimes the answer to this question is all you need to know. If you have happy emotions, memories, or other personal meaning attached to your speakers, you just want them fixed. No other logic is required, right? That said, unless you’re made of money, there is probably some upper limit to what you want to spend. So our Speaker Exchange team works hard to give you the best value for your money. From our global materials sourcing to our local skilled workmanship, our driving force is to provide you with the optimal mix of product quality and professional service at prices that are fair to all. This commitment helps you save money in both the short and long term.
Q2 – Are modern speaker technology advancements worth it? In the old days, there were speaker brands with varying degrees of quality. Some speakers weren’t great back then so repairing them won’t make them something they’re not. Similarly, there are low-quality speakers made today that are simply not made to last. But there are absolutely advancements in modern speaker technology from MEMS integration to improved cone and dome materials that deliver cleaner, more detailed, and less distorted sound. There is also the obvious benefit of modern features like wireless connectivity, compact form factors, and lower power consumption. Experienced audiophiles comparing vintage against modern technology commonly favor quality hi-fi speakers on a dollar for dollar basis. Again, it’s subjective.
Q3 – Are parts still available for your vintage speakers? – There are hundreds of speaker brands and models that are no longer on the market. Not to worry, though. The Speaker Exchange has thousands of parts listed on our website, but we have access to literally hundreds of thousands of parts in both genuine OEM and aftermarket options! Just search by brand or part here. If you cannot find the information you want, just ask! Email us at info@speakerex.com and we’ll get right back to you.
Q4 – Are you a do-it-yourself kind of person? – If so, you can buy the part or kit you need and we will ship it to you wherever you are in the world. For many parts, we offer free shipping. Lots of DIY speaker repairs like reconing or refoaming can definitely be done on your own. On our website, you can view step-by-step instructions or detailed videos. OK, so what if you are not a DIY-er and you’d rather have a professional repair your speakers? The Speaker Exchange has amazingly skilled technicians with decades of experience. We are ready to repair, clean, update and/or upgrade your speakers with white glove service.
Q5 – Does the math work? Generally speaking, repairing and even upgrading your vintage speakers is less costly than buying new ones. Like the metaphor of the classic car, some speaker brands retain their value better than others. Some even appreciate in value. Also of course: time, convenience, space, and personal enjoyment are all factors that can be weighed against hard dollar costs. For the most part, repairing or upgrading a high-quality vintage speaker can be achieved for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
The Speaker Exchange, as you know, doesn’t sell completed finished speakers. We sell speaker parts, kits, and repair services, so one might think we are a little biased here. Perhaps. But even more so, we are relentlessly committed to our customers’ total delight. If we can help you meet your audio objectives and put a smile on your face, we want to and we will.
