Technology in speakers....


So... I am curious as to your opinions of the impact of technology and progress with regards to the design and manufacture of speakers. For example, how would a highly regarded and top rated [originally] $15,000 speaker of 10 years ago compare to a modern speaker? Would it compare to a well designed $10,000 speaker today or would it take $20,000+ to compare??? Or has there not been that much change and the value basis is about the same?

I know, it’s a broad conversational topic with no parameters. Just curious as to people’s thoughts on this. Considering that a pre-owned older speaker could be 40% of its original retail price - would you consider money better spent on a preowned speaker which might offer a superior value vs retail price or on a newer speaker that would have to be half the retail price of the comparable speaker’s original price? Assuming of course that one doesn’t mind pre-owned with some scratches etc. 

In short, if you had say $7k to spend would you pick a 10 yrs $15-18k speaker or a newer $7-10k speaker? Finally, would the answer change if you are planning to keep and use this speaker for a very long time?

Thanks for any thoughts with this.
denjer1
A pretty good 10 year old ~$15k speaker is the Revel Ultima2 Studio. 

I'd say these days there are some 10k speakers that are competitive with it, but overall it's still pretty good for its price.
Thanks all. 

I'm picking up, in summary, that a 10k speaker today could likely best a significantly more expensive 10 year old design. However, a great speaker is a great speaker. It's still very much all about finding the qualities that each individual values and what works best for each system. Of course, the room is always another major variable.

Also, lower priced speakers have seen perhaps the most improvement in terms of SQ for dollar spent. Does this sound about right? 
Well the thiel 3.7, Vivid B1 and Revel Salon 2s are all about 10 years old now. All have in house drivers with great driver tech (diaphragms, motors, engineering concepts etc) and well designed cabinets with solid engineering. So for me tech has not changed much. 

I do not believe “tech” makes good sound. I used to but it all come down to implementation. Wilsons use silk and paper these days and sound pretty good to me. 

Anyway i I would take a used $7000 speaker vs a new $10,000 speaker. Most speakers are good for 20 years. 

What brands are you looking at? On top of the three above I feel used wilson Sophia’s, focal 1038be II, and Olympica IIIs are all around $7k used and are good buys. All sound pretty different so it helps to know what kind of sound you like. 


Thanks for your feedback james63.

My post was more genuine interest in people's opinions. I've always been of the opinion that great products, well designed always stand the test of time. 

I actually really liked the Sonus Olympica 3's, to my surprise, but always had my eyes, ears and heart set on the Vivid B1's.

Tonight, I actually pulled the trigger on a pair and can't wait to receive them! This is a very big deal for me. They will be a massive upgrade. Was very glad to see your comment - that gave me the final push I perhaps needed! 

Best, 
J.