Expected life of a 12" Subwoofer(s)

[imported_MCA]

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]

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

[dcswd]

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.

[JasonD]

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.

;)

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/557104__stereo_rear.jpg

[V8toytruck]

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.