Speakers can indeed get quieter over time. There are several factors that contribute to this gradual decrease in volume or perceived loudness.
One of the primary reasons for a decrease in speaker volume is the wear and tear on the speaker components. Over extended periods of usage, the speaker parts such as the surround, cone, voice coil, and even the magnets can deteriorate. The surround, which is the ring-shaped material that attaches the outer edge of the speaker cone to the speaker frame, can become brittle and lose its flexibility. This can result in a reduced range of motion for the speaker cone, ultimately affecting its ability to produce sound at higher volumes.
Similarly, the speaker cone itself can degrade over time. The material used in the construction of the cone can become worn or warped, leading to a decrease in sound quality and volume. The voice coil, which is responsible for translating electrical signals into mechanical vibrations to produce sound, can also become damaged or worn out. This can result in a decrease in the sensitivity of the speaker, making it less efficient at converting electrical signals into sound waves.
Another factor that can contribute to a decrease in speaker volume is the degradation of the capacitor in the crossover network. The crossover is a component in the speaker that divides the audio signal into different frequency ranges and sends them to the appropriate drivers (e.g., tweeters, woofers). The capacitor in the crossover can deteriorate over time, affecting its ability to properly filter and distribute the audio signal. This can result in a loss of clarity and volume in certain frequency ranges, leading to an overall decrease in perceived loudness.
Furthermore, some speakers incorporate ferrofluid in their tweeters. Ferrofluid is a magnetic fluid that helps dissipate heat generated by the voice coil in the tweeter. Over time, this ferrofluid can dry out or become contaminated, affecting its ability to dissipate heat efficiently. This can result in increased heat buildup in the tweeter and potentially lead to reduced volume and distortion.
It is worth noting that the rate at which speakers degrade can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the speakers, the level of usage, and the environmental conditions in which they are used. Higher-quality speakers with better construction materials and design may be more resistant to wear and tear, while speakers that are used frequently at high volumes or in harsh environments may degrade more quickly.
Speakers can indeed get quieter over time due to the wear and tear on their components. Factors such as the degradation of the surround, cone, voice coil, capacitor in the crossover, and ferrofluid in some tweeters can contribute to a decrease in volume and overall sound quality. Regular maintenance and careful usage can help prolong the lifespan and performance of speakers, but it is inevitable that they will eventually wear out and require replacement or repair.