Well, I know they did change the cone magnet, and the surround on the upper line type x. They are now using the same type of cone as the f#1 stuff I believe. It looks pretty close to the same. As for the surround, it has gone back to the style on the old blue cone 3 way. The crossovers have made some changes and if I'm not mistaken they have some pretty neat features on them. It looks like the tweeter is differen't too. As for sound, I haven't heard any. All I can say is go by a store that has some in stock and listen to them. And yes, $175 is a good price.