Subwoofers are a critical part of any home audio system, but they don’t usually last as long as the other components. A subwoofer’s lifespan can last from 5 to 14 years. Provided it is well-maintained and is not abused, the sound system can last for ten years.
However, there are some things you can do to extend the life of your subwoofer. First, make sure you have enough power to run it.
A subwoofer is only as good as its amplifier, so make sure you have enough power to drive it. Second, use a surge protector to protect your subwoofer from electrical spikes. And finally, keep it away from extreme temperatures and moisture.
But, of course, it depends on various factors, including:
- Where it is located (in your home or car, for instance)
- How actively it is maintained.
- The conditions in which it is stored. Having kids around, excess heat, or humidity can be a few sure-fire ways to reduce your subwoofer’s lifespan.
It’s difficult and costly enough to purchase and have a quality subwoofer installed. But the possibility of having to do the whole process over again in a couple of years is enough to chill even the most battle-hardened audiophile.
I am the kind of person who likes to go the extra mile to make sure I am caring for my audio equipment properly. So, after installing a new subwoofer in my car, I began to research the best ways to make sure my new sub lasted.
Here is a general guide to subwoofer life expectancy, as well as a few maintenance tips to make sure it continues to blast crisp low tones for as long as possible.
Car Audio Subwoofer Life Span:
Since a subwoofer is specifically designed to reproduce strong low tones, it is no surprise that your car sub will see a fair bit of strain during normal operation.
The mechanics of a subwoofer – the voice coil and rubber casing, for instance – are specifically designed to take the brunt of this strain. In other words, a car sub is built to take the brunt of the pressure and last while doing so.
For this reason, the average car subwoofer will last between 4 to 7 years before it needs to be repaired or replaced.
That being said, I’ve heard my fair share of horror stories: friends who install a shiny new subwoofer, only to have it blow out in just a few weeks.
There are a few key factors that can diminish the life expectancy of your shiny new subwoofer:
- Overpowering your sub or having it wired incorrectly. Overpowering your sub or installing it incorrectly can be a terminal for your new speaker.
- Excessive use. Even playing your subwoofers at high volumes excessively has been known to damage your subwoofers permanently, significantly reducing their lifespan.
- Warming-up before hard use. Temperature and atmosphere can also have a profound effect on your car’s subwoofers. Be sure to warm them up if you’ve left your car out in the snow overnight, for example.
Home Subwoofer Life Span:
At home, you will have several different considerations when considering the health and lifespan of your subwoofer.
For instance, you likely will not need to worry so much about temperature and humidity, but you may be more concerned about dust and power management.
The good news is that home subwoofers regularly last a lot longer than their vehicular counterparts. On average, a good-quality active subwoofer can last more than 20 years without needing to be repaired or replaced.
I would not take that as evidence you should stop caring about your subwoofer, though. So here are a few factors that can dimmish the life expectancy of your shiny new sub:
- Accumulating dust and dirt. Of course, your speaker’s components will only last if they are cared for properly. Consistent attention and maintenance should ensure your sub keeps living a long (and loud) life.
- Dirt, Air Pollution, Temperature, and Humidity. Although likely a way bigger consideration in a car sub, environmental conditions too should be considered when determining the best way to store your device. Check out a handy guide for keeping your home speakers clean here.
- Overuse or too loud. Ultimately, how long your subwoofer lasts will depend on how much you demand from it. Regularly playing music at lower volumes will help to protect its components and keep it going longer.Many owners worry that leaving their active subwoofers on 24/7, without automatic power management solutions, will diminish the lifespan of their speakers. Fortunately, this doesn’t seem to have a significant effect on the lifespan of your device.
What Impact Subwoofer Lifespan?
The main thing that impacts how long a subwoofer will last is how often it is used. If you only use your sub occasionally, it will last much longer than if you use it every day. Another factor is the type of music you listen to. Bass-heavy music will put more strain on the subwoofer than music with less bass.
Environmental factors can also play a role in how long a subwoofer lasts.
Is it worth repairing a subwoofer?
Yes, but There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to repair a subwoofer. The most important question is whether or not the cost of repairing the subwoofer will be more than the cost of buying a new one.
Other factors to consider include the age and condition of the subwoofer, as well as how often it is used.
If the subwoofer is fairly new and in good condition, it may be worth repairing. However, if it is older or has been damaged, it may be more cost effective to buy a new one. If the subwoofer is used frequently, it may also be worth repairing, as replacing it may be more expensive in the long run.
Can subwoofer get old?
Subwoofers can last a long time with proper use, but eventually they will wear out. Over time, the subwoofer’s ability to produce low frequencies will diminish, and it may start making noise. If this happens, it’s time to replace the subwoofer.
Final Verdict
A subwoofer can be a big investment, but with ample care and attention, you can rely on your subwoofer to last you quite some time:
On average, a good-quality car subwoofer can last for 4 to 7 years.
While a home subwoofer could last for more than 20 years.
The three most common problems associated with long-term subwoofer use are distorted sound, weaker sound, or the complete absence of sound. So, you will be able to keep on top of your subwoofer’s health by simply paying attention to its performance.
For car subwoofers, be sure to install them properly, use them responsibly, and be keen on top of the environment in which they will be kept.
For a home subwoofer, be sure to keep it clean, ensure it is kept in an optimum environment, and make sure to use it responsibly.
If you need any more assistance with fitting and caring for your subwoofers, you can check out our recent posts here.