Enter to Win: Pair of x-ls Bookshelf Speakers from AV123!

[Frankonwheels]

Speaker finishes

I definitely prefer real wood veneers as opposed to vinyl cladding. Synthetics just don't have that natural warmth that I find more appealing. Our living area where the system is set up has dark cherry entertainment furniture, so naturally I prefer a finish to complement it. However, I currently own speakers that are primarily grill cloth. Upkeep is easy since occasional vacuuming is all that's necessary. Dat's my 2 cents.

 

[Hanse18]

For finish, there is nothing better than wood stained to match your furniture. Obviously something like what RBH offers, with their cinemasite especially, is awesome. I also like SVS who offers the entire line of minwax (I believe) stains for their top sub(s). Customizability is always nice, and as a consumer, it really makes me feel like the company takes personal care of my needs.

Since these are higher priced speakers, and not everyone can afford them, for lower priced speakers, if the wood finish (or wood-colored finish... evil eye towards axiom and their vinyl ) looks incredibly cheesy or does not fit, a black matte or piano finish is always nice because it will blend in with anything. The only downside is that they are "just another pair of speakers" to the innocent observer, as opposed to speakers that directly match your wood shelves or trim or whatever, which has a certain "wow" effect and gives off the illusion of a very professional installation.

 

[jasoneuc]

Contest Question: What is your favorite finish on a loudspeaker and why?

Satin black - does not have to have faux "wood grain", but I want a speaker that disappears visually. Dark wood grains are also pleasing, as long as the veneer does not look cheap. I think that black is probably easier to do well than wood grain.

 

[waystevens]

Really my preference for color is superceded by what my wife deems is appropriate for matching our decor. If the decision is left to me, however, I perfer a rich, dark colored wood finish.

 

[moxey5]

AV123 wants your opinion!

AV123 is giving away a pair of x-ls bookshelf speakers in your choice of finishes (MSRP $199) to one (1) lucky forum member that answers the question in the forum below.

To be eligible to win, you must: 1) Be a registered Audioholics forum member, 2) Have USA or Canadian Residence 3) Answer the question in the forum below:

Contest Question: What is your favorite finish on a loudspeaker and why?
[Click here for more information on the Onix x-ls bookshelf speakers]

[Read the Review]

Note this contest ends on March 31st 2006. Winners will be drawn shortly thereafter

Have fun and good luck!

I prefer black because every component and speakers that I have are black.

 

[s1773s]

visually, a choice of exotic wood veneers further distinguishes the speakers from joe6pax' bigbox system.
sonically, they would speak for themselves.

 

[Intradio]

I prefer a flat black stain that shows the wood grain.

While my system is used mainly for music (although high quality pop recordings are getting harder to find), I also use it more and more, lately, for home theatre. When watching a good movie, the flat black color allows the speakers to visually "blend" into the room so that attention is focussed on the movie rather than the sound system.

BTW: How come music in a movie always sounds better than a cd?

Live Long & Prosper,
Phil ve3oii

 

[jmritchie]

Speaker Finish

My favorite finish is a high gloss black. While I think the dark wood finishes (like a rosenut colour) look really smart, you just can't beat a gloss black for blending into almost any room decor.

 

[reptilezs]

the best finish that i like is one that matchs the room, black is usualy my choice because it goes with everything. if i had to choose a wood it would be somthing that had a nice deep redish color

 

[deecue]

i will definitely have to go with a deep wood with black/charcoal grills.. i really prefer rosewood the most since it can come in various hues naturally but all of them tend to be very full and genuine.. it add's a lot of warmth and balances out the whole technical aspect with a touch of natural materials..

 

[Tempest]

Maple

I like a lighter maple finish. While black could be considered to 'go with everything', it is a typical color for speakers and in my opinion, is getting old and predictable.

 

[baring5]

(1) What is your favorite finish on a loudspeaker and why?


Piano-black, because it looks great!

 

[Ralph]

I prefer the look of a dark, rich wood, but any finish is ok with me as long as it looks like it is high quality and well made.

 

[Bryce_H]

A dark cherry - we got all our kitchen cabinets in cherry and I love the color.

 

[ralphmcw]

I would have to say that a nice dark wood finish looks pretty classy. Glossy black seems to be what is popular with a lot of people here but I think that is boring. But honestly I don't really care what the look as long as they sound good.

 

[Jack Dotson]

Rosewood! No doubt about it, you just cant beat a real RW vaneer finish. Makes the speaker look expensive and of high quality. Can I add my second favorite? Piano black. Luxurous look!

 

[tleonard]

Entry

Dark Cherry - my wife says it's my favorite.

 

[bigbassdave]

Personally I prefer a beech finish. If that is not availible I do like a light cherry.

 

[Hipnotic4]

The finish to me is really dependent on the rooms decor, however if I were to pick one color to blend with all, it would have to be black. Piano glossy black or a satin black. Either way Black blends with everything very well

 

[Wabbit_Swayer]

Walnut Burl, because that is the finish on my RBH 661-SE's