A decent pair of speakers have little to no chance of becoming outdated. In fact, if you've purchased a high-quality speaker system, you can plug them in years later, and they'll probably still produce a clear, balanced sound.
The catch is that you have to take care of them from the start to ensure they sound their best in the long run. A good pair of speakers can last you an incredibly long time if you just look after them properly.
Here are some of the best tips to make your speakers look and sound amazing for a lifetime.
1. Avoid Excess Dust on Your Speakers
Dust is not just aesthetically displeasing; it's also probably the most widespread problem for speakers. Did you know that dust particles are capable of creeping into the wire connectors and playing havoc with the electric signals in your speakers?
If not, be wary! The dust not only adds an unpleasant noise to your speaker system but can also cause damage to the wiring inside. The question is, how do you prevent dust from harming your speakers?
Firstly, it's best to set up your speakers in a room or area that doesn't accumulate a lot of excess dust. It's tough to find a spot that doesn't accumulate any dust at all, so the next easy step is to store your speakers in a protective case and clean them regularly.
2. Clean Your Speakers Regularly
Just as you would clean your car regularly, you need to clean your speakers frequently to keep them sounding clear, balanced, and crisp. As mentioned before, dust and dirt can be annoying, and they could shorten your speaker's lifespan.
Here's what you need to know about cleaning your speakers. First, always check the manual beforehand for the correct cleaning steps and never use harsh cleaning chemicals, especially those containing alcohol or ammonia.
When you clean your speakers, always be gentle. Use a soft dust pad, vacuum cleaner, or a dry, clean cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners as they can damage your speakers, and remember to take your time while cleaning to avoid any harmful accidents.
3. Provide Sufficient Ventilation
Your speaker system needs to stay cool while in use, or else overheating can occur. Always make sure there's a decent amount of airflow surrounding your speakers, especially if it's a scorching day.
Enthusiasts passionate about high-end sound quality will suggest having fans blowing on your speakers while they're playing to ensure they stay cool.
However, a more straightforward tip is simply placing your speakers in a position that supports adequate airflow. Arrange your system a few inches away from walls, cabinets, or tight spaces.
The right amount of ventilation not only ensures your speakers will last a lifetime but also enhance the overall sound quality. If you store your speaker in a tight space, the vibrations it produces will warp the sound, and this could damage your speakers.
4. Steer Clear of Direct Sunlight
No matter what, always keep your speaker system far away from windows and direct sunlight. By exposing your speakers to the heat of the sun, they can overheat and be seriously damaged.
Overheating is easy for speakers because their design is so compact. This will result in the voice coils becoming impaired. Don't know what voice coils are? They're vital in supporting the electrical current between the speakers and their source.
If you don't want to severely damage your speaker system, keep them away from the sun and any particularly hot areas in your home. If you're using them outside or on the patio, be sure to place them in a shady spot and avoid too much heat exposure.
5. Stay Away From Static Electricity
Even though dust and heat are a speaker's main problems, another serious issue is static electricity. But what is static electricity, and how does it affect a speaker system?
In layman's terms, static electricity is an occurrence when there's an increase of electric charge on the surface of objects. Usually caused by friction, it can result in sparks or crackling. This isn't good for your electrical devices, and a buildup of static electricity can burn out your speaker system.
It's possible to innocently walk across your carpet, create friction, touch your speaker, and generate a burn-out. A burn-out can cause severe damage, but it's possible to avoid static electricity and the harm it brings.
Consider buying anti-static floor mats or a humidifier. A humidifier can help prevent dry air in the room your speakers are stored in. Dry air is a conductor of static and can cause it to build up to a harmful level, and humidifiers effectively fight against it.
6. Protect Your Speakers From Power Surges
A sudden power surge can be seriously damaging to your speaker system, as well as all of your other electrical devices.
There are two main types of power surges—a typical blackout caused by household power and lightning storm strikes, which can directly impact your speaker system.
Fortunately, protecting your speaker system from an unexpected power surge, like a lightning strike, is pretty simple to do. Consider purchasing a surge protector or a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
A surge protector will divert extra electricity to the ground wire if it goes over a specific voltage. On the other hand, a UPS will provide backup power when your standard power source cuts out.
These are great ways to decrease the chance that a power surge will damage your speaker system. Always remember that it's better to be safe than sorry.
Your Speakers Will Look and Sound Amazing for Years to Come
As with any electrical device, you must ensure your speakers are maintained and properly cared for. This is critical if you want to use them to last a long time.
When it comes to your overall music system, your speakers are one of, if not the most important parts. Since a good couple of speakers can cost you a fortune, it's best to know how to look after them properly to avoid heartbreak when they get damaged.