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Have speakers really improved within the last 20 years??

Question:

  • If there is one measurement that would prove that speakers have indeed got better over the last 20 years, what would it be? 

I dont just want one example of a speaker from today that has a better measurement than another speaker from 20 years ago because that could just be a coincidence. I want to see IRREFUTABLE PROOF that most speakers today have a measured performance in at least one area that is better than most speakers 20 years ago.

When I look at a typical bookshelf speaker from 20 years ago versus one from today i see little difference. All i see is a wooden box, typically mdf with a pair of drivers in 'em. There would be a small crossover circuit inside and a bit of foam inside the box and that would be the end of the story. I would like to believe that speakers have gotten better but I see no reason to believe it. All I see is that speakers may have gotten brighter and brighter with time to dupe us into thinking we are hearing more detail. 

This challenge is open to any audiophile or speaker designer reading this.
kenjit
gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 
A perfectly fine speaker twenty years ago is still a perfectly fine speaker.
keithsax
107 posts
 
I know my hearing's got worse over the last 20 years! (still don't like 'bright' speakers though to offset this). Am still happy with ESL57s and a sub. Have replaced older drivers in my Castles which has made a big difference.
richopp
760 posts
 
Well, let's see.  Many manufacturers have copied Magnepan and now make speakers that are very tall.  I guess that would change the metrics you derive from measuring them.

Also, I would assume Mr. Winey's son is working to continually improve the Magnepan line over time.

So yes, there are speakers that have improved and probably "measure" better in anechoic chambers.  Since we don't have these in our listening rooms (most of us, anyway) possibly improving your room will suffice?

Cheers!
dill
2,534 posts
 
dekay: Remember kenjit lives across the pond and might night be familiar with your survey choices. For me, however Mary Ann of course.
bob540
407 posts
 
I have wondered about those people who seem to prefer vintage equipment over more recent offerings.  Receivers from 40 years ago, like Pioneer SX1280 and Marantz 2500, fetch prices of $2500, while I have seen JBL 100 speakers listed for $2,000 for the pair.  I assume that people pay those prices not just for investment value or sentimentality, but because they appreciate the build quality and the sound.  I wonder why they wouldn’t apply that money to more modern equipment if sound reproduction has improved over the decades.  
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