I need to point this out about stored subs, or speakers, suffering damage. Where were they stored? Unregulated humidity and temperatures that rise and falls a lot can destroy speakers. People might store them in thier attics, or basements, or in an outside storage room, or just in closet in a house with the door usually closed that might be next to an outside wall or laundry room or kitchen or bathroom. The speakers may survive a bit better and longer if stored in their original boxes, rather than just sitting in a closed cold or hot environment, too. The box will add a bit of insulation from the humidity and temperature changes.
Basically the problem with unregulated humidity is the glues and materials that make up the speaker cones, and even the cabinets, will start to deteriorate. Not to mention, unregulated humidity and temperature changes may also cause rust and corrosion on electrical parts, too.
You will also notice the same sort of deteriorating effects in an abandoned house that sits for a few years with no interior temperature or humidity control. The wallpaper and paint will start to peel, and any glues used to hold mirrors or paneling to the wall will start to separate. Even glued doors and cabinets will separate and start to warp and crack.