Loudspeakers have we really made that much progress since the 1930s?


Since I have a slight grasp on the history or loudspeaker design. And what is possible with modern. I do wonder if we have really made that much progress. I have access to some of the most modern transducers and design equipment. I also have  large collection of vintage.  I tend to spend the most time listening to my 1930 Shearer horns. For they do most things a good bit better than even the most advanced loudspeakers available. And I am not the only one to think so I have had a good num of designers retailers etc give them a listen. Sure weak points of the past are audible. These designs were meant to cover frequency ranges at the time. So adding a tweeter moves them up to modern performance. To me the tweeter has shown the most advancement in transducers but not so much the rest. Sure things are smaller but they really do not sound close to the Shearer.  http://www.audioheritage.org/html/profiles/lmco/shearer.htm
128x128johnk
Experience trumps conjecture. So while its great so many have opinions  without supporting experience its just noise.
Johnk,  you have a wealth of knowledge and experience,  but your last post just told EVERYONE else that they don't matter. That your opinion/Experience is the only one that is right or counts. 2nd time in this thread that you've done that... I understand that many post incorrect statements in their opinions, but I remember trying to learn all of this 35 years ago and the knowledge that you share can be immense.  In the mean time,  belittling others will only turn them away from you and soon everything you way will turn to just noise.  Doesn't need to happen brother,  we need you to share your wealth.   Tim
Yeah, sometimes one must maintain a totally uncompromising position no matter what. Not good for a discussion, especially when the subject is complex and debatable.
Very nice post, Tim.
Thank you Tim. At least someone gets the point.
Speaker design has come a long way and active speaker design is pushing the envelope considerably.
I don't keep repeating "optimize the step response" for no reason (another way of saying get the phase and time alignment correct). Physics dictates this. Improved resolution and timbre result. It's not subtle. 
Generalities are not very helpful.
Mike