Speaker cable life expectancy?

Is there a guideline for how long speaker cables will last? I was adding a component recently and got a close-up look at my speaker cables that are about 20-25 years old. They're 12 gauge with a clear jacket so I could see the strands and they appeared to have lost their bright copper color and appeared a dull brown shade. There wasn't any green corrosion color but I'm curious if there is an age limit. Thanks.

 

No guidelines,your cables will out live you i imagine,But if you have some spare cash why not buy some new ones.I,for one would be very interested to know if you can hear a difference.

 

I can relate to what you are talking about. I have some 30 year old monster that looks back in spots now. Seems brittle now after I stripped of the jacket. I don't have a meter but would be very curious to how it would test. My feeling is probably not great

 

I did actually buy some pure copper 14 gauge and cut 2- 9 foot pieces. I was using 10 gauge Monster that was rotten. If I striped off the jacket strands would just break off. So in short yes I could hear a difference and for the better.

 

No need to replace it, it's just the exposed ends that have oxidised. Cut off half an inch at each end and strip the coating back and you've got a fresh pair of cables.