Hi,

from my experience of having 2 pairs of those speakers (both in original condition since 1970's) I can confirm that the discolouration is nor only common but normal and doesn't necessarily present any threat and is mainly down to use and dust - I would check the drivers (axially listen to them) and woofers for easy movement 😕

avoid shipping at all cost (unless you plan re-building them soon) - there may be issue with the foams and the woofers will eventually need re-foaming in the future, when shimming may be required. ...

By all means don't take a sellers word for it and check it yourself (I've got one with not working tweeter for quiet long time before noticing it)

Hope that be some help and all the best ($200 seem about reasonable as those speakers are really good, especially for their compact size)

bob

hammer_smyth wrote:

Hello,

I'm in the market for a pair of S45-2s. I've come across a pair in good cosmetic condition.

I wanted to get the experts advice on the condition of the speakers.

There looks to be some discoloration around the large driver. Is this common? A sign of trouble?

The seller says they work great, but obviously you can't be sure. They are asking ~$200 USD.

Many thanks,

H

S45-2s have rubber rolls so will not need reforming. The colour change is common but cleans nicely. The major problem is the slipping of the woofer magnet which is not uncommon and needs quite expensive remedial work. Slippage renders the driver inoperable so is obvious. `it can be prevented by using strong glue on the magnet.

These are excellent speakers but can be regarded as slightly bass light by some. Excellent for classical and jazz - possibly less so for heavy rock where S75s would possibly be a better choice. S45-2 s are probably my favourite B&O speaker.

I think 200 dollars is a lot of money for S45-2's.

Here in the Netherlands they can easily be picked up for 50-75 euro's or less.

I think the supply in the US is a lot less - a good pair can go for thing amount even in the UK - stands add a lot of value. Condition of the veneer is important - I like dark rosewood personally! Mine are the pair on Beocentral!

Peter wrote:

I think the supply in the US is a lot less - a good pair can go for thing amount even in the UK - stands add a lot of value. Condition of the veneer is important - I like dark rosewood personally! Mine are the pair on Beocentral!

I haven't seen a lot of S45's on stands either; they were small enough to be bookshelf speakers back in the day -  comparing to almost all S75's for sale at the moment has stands, because they were too big to place on anything 😂

I have had a pair of S45's and can only recommend them, though I glued that woofer magnet with two-component epoxy as fast as I was able to.

I purchased my rosewood S45-2s in 2008 for $90.  They were in perfect cosmetic condition, and were purchased without stands.

For $90 they are a steal.  For $200, I bet they would beat anything on the market selling at the same price new. 

Having said that, I wouldn't buy a pair for $200 because you should be able to find a pair for less in the United States.  There is always at least one pair for sale on Ebay.

I am also a huge fan of my S40s.  Those were purchased for $40, were in less than perfect cosmetic condition, and needed a refoam.  After some work, they now sound incredible out in my garage system.

Oh, and no offense, Peter, but I think the S45-2s work just fine with some loud rock-n-roll!  😜

Rich wrote:

Oh, and no offense, Peter, but I think the S45-2s work just fine with some loud rock-n-roll!  😜

Actually none taken - I agree with you, but I am not a fan of very heavy bass. The bass on S45-2s is very accurate but rolls off at just below 40Hz quite rapidly. I must pull mine out again and compare them to my M100s!

Oops I've done it again - blonde moment y'all and cannot be justified by the fact I'm having lots going on privately now - should have known better that the woofers are rubber rolls - I've had 2 pairs after all 🙁 - my apologies........... I was miles away..............😉

as per price $200 been steep - it's disputable, are they worth it - most certainly are it's certain - exceptionally good small speakers especially for their age.

bob

Peter wrote:

S45-2s have rubber rolls so will not need reforming. The colour change is common but cleans nicely. The major problem is the slipping of the woofer magnet which is not uncommon and needs quite expensive remedial work. Slippage renders the driver inoperable so is obvious. `it can be prevented by using strong glue on the magnet.