Breakthrough for me was giving up my multi component rack of separates and buying a Peachtree Nova 300. Built-in superb DAC, unprecedented specs (111db SNR) 300WPC @ 8ohms, stable from 4>16ohm, USB and optical inputs all in one small beautiful component. Best smooth yet punchy sound ever, my component buying days are over!
What in your mind represents real technological advancement.
To be a real advancement the technology must improve the sound quality. Just extending the bass or the high end can't be call an advancement if it doesn't sound better. If the bass goes " lower " but is muddy or the highs go higher but are " bright and forward and irritating " then that does not improve the listening experience. So the question is what improvements make a speaker more enjoyable to listen to.