Speakers: Anything really new under the sun?


After a 20-year hiatus (kids, braces, college, a couple of new roofs, etc.) I'm slowly getting back into hi-fi.  My question: is there really anything significantly new in speakers design/development/materials? I'm a bit surprised that the majority of what I see continues to be some variation of a 2- or 3-way design -- many using off-the-shelf drivers -- in a box (usually MDF at it core) with a crossover consisting of a handful of very common, relatively inexpensive components. I'm asking in all sincerity so please don't bash me. I'm not trying to provoke or prove anything, I'm just genuinely curious. What, if anything, has really changed? Would love to hear from some speaker companies/builders here. Also, before one of you kindly tells me I shouldn't worry about new technologies or processes and just go listen for myself -- I get it -- I'll always let my ear be my guide. However, after 20 years, I'm hoping there's been some progress I may be missing. Also, I unfortunately live in a hifi-challenged part of the country -- the closest decent hifi dealer is nearly 3 hours away -- so I can't just run out and listen to a bunch of new speakers. Would appreciate your insights. 

jaybird5619

I recall seeing a video on YouTube (sorry I don't have the link) that showed a cone flexing and going out of shape as it moved in and out, so the selection of cone material by the manufacture is really important.

Absorption material in the enclosure can be useful in not allowing internal reflections to impact the movement of the cone. From that point of view a vented enclosure might be helpful as long as the horrid sound emanating port is addressed.  

Wouldn't it be great not to have to pay for college, or property taxes or healthcare, or replace roofs like our pals in the UK? There'd be plenty of funds left for hi-fi!

I recall seeing a video on YouTube (sorry I don't have the link) that showed a cone flexing and going out of shape as it moved in and out, so the selection of cone material by the manufacture is really important.

@pedroeb is this it?

 

 

what changed ? the most disgusting thing is that the level of the music itself (as the art and skill of the performers) ... has monstrously degraded ...

want advice? - don't spend too much on equipment...
maybe a headphone amp and a dac (in the range of 1-2k per component) is all you need...

There is progress in the industry in class D amplifiers... advances in cables (there were just a lot fewer of them before)...