driver technology in particular has continued to evolve--manufacturers are using ever lighter, stiffer materials and (i would assume) more advanced computer technology in the design process. whether or not this evolution results in better-sounding speakers is, of course, more of a subjective question. to my ears, less-expensive speakers do sound more transparent than the comparably-priced peers of 20 years ago. as for your selections, i personally think the dynaudio contour is a great speaker (wasn't as impressed with the xcite or the sf and aren't as familiar with the others); however it does need some power, so you'd need to be sure your integrated has enough oomph. psb synchrony or totem model one are also worthwhile; major raves for the kef ls50 as well.
Older 90's highly rated bookshelf vs. newer technology
Wanted to get a couple of opinions......was planning on putting together a small system for a master bedroom based around a lower powered integrated amplifier and a pair of stand mount speakers. I've always loved the older Sonus Faber line such as the Concertino and the Concerto but it's been a really long time since I've heard a pair. As far as newer loudspeakers, I've take a look at models such as the Nola Boxer, Opera Mezza, with my eyes really on the Dynaudio Excite X14 or the Contour S1.4. My question is whether the older Sonus models really stand up to the newer models that I've listed......I realize I'd have to listen to both ideally, but just in general would the newer highly rated standmounts outperform an older what was once comparable in price point speaker like the Concerto?