A lot of folks like older drivers in fact very old drivers can be quite expensive on the 2ndhand market. Some materials have improved but some older materials Alnico magnets are one example are considered by many to be better. So no don't be afraid of older speaker the answer as always is better is better not necessarily newer or older.
Buying used vs new speakers from a technology perspective
Do you believe a speaker's components like drivers and crossovers can become "outdated" for lack of a better word? For instance say someone is selling a pair of speakers that cost $10k in 2008 for $5k now. Comparing that speaker to a modern day $5k new speaker only looking at driver design/drivers, cabinet construction, crossover components/layout and other materials what kind of technology gap are we looking at?
Have there been technologies or designs that have come out in the past few years that you couldn't live without after hearing?