Guarneri Memento age

[mgard]

I have been thinking about getting a pair of Guareri Memento's for a smaller room. I believe these came out in 2006. Will a speaker that is 10 years old still have many more years of good music left in it or will I be looking at possible crossover or cone issues. Bottom line, should I look at newer models of speakers?

Thanks,

~Mike

[GaryProtein]

I would expect a speaker of that caliber to have MANY more years of beautiful music.

By 2006, most speakers have had surrounds that do not rot or disintegrate. The crossover will in all likelihood be just fine.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by mgard

I have been thinking about getting a pair of Guareri Memento's for a smaller room. I believe these came out in 2006. Will a speaker that is 10 years old still have many more years of good music left in it or will I be looking at possible crossover or cone issues. Bottom line, should I look at newer models of speakers?

Thanks,

~Mike

My bet is that the first thing to go in a few years will be the elasticity on that fabulous rubber-bandy grill. That's what was happening to my Homages – some of the strings were getting a bit floppy and loose.

As far as xover and speakers, I believe they'll be fine for a loooong time.

Alberto

[mgard]

Thank you Gary and Alberto. That is good news as those are beautiful speakers.

~Mike

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by mgard

Thank you Gary and Alberto. That is good news as those are beautiful speakers.

~Mike

You are welcome Mike. By the way, I don't believe that the elastic thingies on the grill are not some special stuff just made for Sonus Faber, but some commonly available material. If I had kept my Guarneri Homage (and many times I wish I had because they are to me the most beautiful speakers ever made –*bar none, ever) I would have spent a few hours "restringing" those grilles.

I would also pay attention to the leather (use some conditioner on it) and possibly the wood (keep it away from sunlight). Other than that, you should be good for at least a couple of decades :-).

Alberto

[DesW]

Originally Posted by Alberto

My bet is that the first thing to go in a few years will be the elasticity on that fabulous rubber-bandy grill. That's what was happening to my Homages – some of the strings were getting a bit floppy and loose.

As far as xover and speakers, I believe they'll be fine for a loooong time.

Alberto

Yoh A,

Can be fixed--I carefully cut and retied the loose ones, as you can see they are individually knotted can be cut and re knotted--and all should be fine.

I found to re tension the grill -you can try this first--

You should have small amount of Play in the inserts --If you pull down on the holding plates you should find it flexes a tad--Ok cut tapered Wood toothpick-- you may have to slice slightly and holding the Bottom Grill pins forced down slightly align the small piece of pick on top of the pin as you insert it- if you find the Pick too fiddly--small sliver of hard rubber or Plastic.

It should stretch the Strings to tighten as original

found both above worked for Moi!--and mine are 1997 vintage

Good luck

DesW

[mgard]

Excellent tips! Nothing like asking the pros!

Thank you guys

[blownaway]

I purchased new in 2008, in mint condition Violin Red finish. I think these are built for many many years of listening pleasure.

[joey_v]

Right now I think there are great evo deals to be had on audiogon. I would spend the extra over the memento at these prices. 7800 for memento vs newer evos at 11800? Evos imo

[tompj]

Originally Posted by joey_v

Right now I think there are great evo deals to be had on audiogon. I would spend the extra over the memento at these prices. 7800 for memento vs newer evos at 11800? Evos imo

In my opinion a very different speaker. Both very nice, but newer is not better in everyones opinion. I would take Memento every day. I'm also sure it will last a very long time, no worries.