Are My Speakers Nearing Retirement?

[JohnJo]

Check out the Wharfedale range, similar balance to your B&Ws from memory.

[ceejaydee]

Thanks again for all the replies Gents

i have 2 pairs of the 607 s2 anniversary . they are pretty good but they are much smaller than yours and i think you would not be satisfied with them . they are great quality even though made in china

i also demoed the 606s2 recently against amphion argon 1 . afraid to say the amphion were streets ahead in terms of smoothness and sheer enjoyment . dont get me wrong the 606 are good for 600 quid but at 1200 quid the amphion were way better . I am currently using some 3s which are good , in fact they are VERY VERY good and would easily exceed the performance of yours . sadly they are around 1400 s/h

P1070805 by , on Flickr

for a budget of around 500 i would be looking at these too

https://alchrisaudio.co.uk/product/ar-2/

Thanks for the reply Phil... those Alchris AR-2 speakers look good but the AR-4 or even 6's are not that much more money as I'd be looking for the next set of speakers to ideally last up to another 25 years so pound per year value would be good

Check out the Wharfedale range, similar balance to your B&Ws from memory.

Thanks John, Wharfedales do seem to get good reviews whenever I have seen information about them; pretty sure I sorted out some little Wharfedales for my dad when we upgraded his system to separates a few years back - small with a big sound.

[Lawrence001]

I've seen this before with some Wharfedales of a similar vintage. I think one was kept near a radiator for years and this was the result. Strong sunlight could also have a similar effect.

I don't think it would make much if any audible difference. Professional measuring equipment may be able to pick up a difference but if you can't hear it then don't worry about it. If you have OCD about hifi (as many of us do!) then maybe you can't live with it as it's a distraction but if not just carry on enjoying them!

[Patrick Dixon]

You could phone B&W and see if they can supply replacement parts.

[ceejaydee]

I've seen this before with some Wharfedales of a similar vintage. I think one was kept near a radiator for years and this was the result. Strong sunlight could also have a similar effect.

I don't think it would make much if any audible difference. Professional measuring equipment may be able to pick up a difference but if you can't hear it then don't worry about it. If you have OCD about hifi (as many of us do!) then maybe you can't live with it as it's a distraction but if not just carry on enjoying them!

Thanks Lawrence - they've always been away from heat and I am obsessive about avoiding direct sunlight but I guess it is age.
The OCD does get me sometimes but I generally keep the grilles in place to avoid that

You could phone B&W and see if they can supply replacement parts.

Because of their age I hadn't considered that but I guess dropping an email enquiry to B&W is worth a punt - Thanks Patrick

[Pigmy Pony]

Have you seen these on Ebay Christopher? They have the same issues with the bass units, and there is another pair for sale too , similar. Must be a thing.

[ceejaydee]

Have you seen these on Ebay Christopher? They have the same issues with the bass units, and there is another pair for sale too , similar. Must be a thing.

Hello Steve,

I hadn't seen them and didn't really look at ebay for the version I had, only for newer versions as potential replacements.
As you say - seems like every pair has the same issue so would appear to be a typical and common age related issue.

Mine still bring a smile to my face when I hear them so I'll continue to enjoy them for a while yet with a view to replacing without urgency.

Many Thanks for the reply