Expected life of a 12" Subwoofer(s)

MCA · 04-01-05, 06:43

Hey folks,

I currently have a 12" Rockford-Fosgate XLC (RFP2412) subwoofer that I purchased in 1998. The sub has served me well since then w/o any sort of hiccups. I would like to know ppl's opinions on the expected life of these/any subs in general. My ears have listened to them for so long that I do not know if they sound "as good" as I when I first bought them --> deterioration could be so slow and gradual that I might not have noticed.

Notes:
Rockford Fosgate G250 amplifier
Sealed Enclosure.

Thanks in advance guys/gals,
MCA

BoxsterCharlie · 04-01-05, 06:57

Check the surrounds around the edges of the cones for rot or cracks. That's usually the failure mode for age.

dcswd · 04-02-05, 09:34

I agree with BoxsterCharlie. You could also look at everything with it in general, as in wire connections and so on.

Otherwise I would think it should still be pretty good and it should still sound like it has always sounded.

JDookie · 04-02-05, 09:51

If it sounds good to you, then its perfectly fine. Now if you have an itch to buy something new and want a reason, it's seven years old so don't feel too bad for laying it down to rest.

V8toytruck · 04-03-05, 12:30

I have had a SoloBaric in my truck for 3-4 years, still works great, before that it was in my friends Civic for 2 years or so. I apply 303 to the rubber around the cone just to keep it from drying and cracking.