Are advances in technology making speakers better?

Maybe I look at this differently. I never upgrade unless I can jump up another level. So if I found the very best for my budget… say fifteen years ago… I look for the very best I can buy at a minimum of 2x cost. This way what ever advances (yes, largely material science in speakers as @millercarbon says) occur are included with my purchase of a higher level product. I want my decision to result in a much better sound. It always does. 
 

I wouldn’t for instance buy brand x for $10k and ten years later buy the same brand x for whatever. Would it sound better? Yes… but the increment might not be worth it to my ears/brain… and that is what I am trying to satisfy. 

An advance that doesn’t make things better isn’t really much of an advance now is it?  

 Advances in technology != advance in sound 

it could be but doesn't have to be

As said by most if you like it.. that’s the one. Just know there is better, but also a lot of mass market junk. There’s the silly tin can with 100 speakers or real Technology advancement like the aspen FR30 for example. What ever floats your boat is the way to go. And don’t forget Spectacular from the past it’s still D… good today.

It seems to me that the OP wasn't really in a personal quandary about upgrading, but more trying to provoke a conversation about it.