Black Ash.....


...is the speaker finish that never should have been allowed to escape the bowels of hell. It is the parkay floors of speaker finishes.

Black Ash is the universal declaration of "cheap-#ssed speakers" or, even worse, if chosen as the finish on even a relatively expensive or quality speaker, it’s the sign that the purchaser has lost his mind or was likely wearing cargo shorts, socks and sandals at the time of purchase.

Where do you stand on this?

You are either with me or against me.

prof
Walnut or rosewood for me. Although harbeth has a beautiful olive wood finish on some of their anniversary speakers...
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All I could do is laugh as I looked over my sea of black ash speakers, subwoofers, and about 3 dozen flat black record crates.  But hey, at least I've got wood paneling in my house, that must count for something on the classy scale.
For those inclined, you can use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Chalk Paint Wax Clear finish on cabinets that you may want to hold onto for awhile. I have some older Monitor audio RS6’s with yellow oak finish that I really don’t care for and really clashes with our beach gray decor. My amp stands came out beautifully. Merchants that sell Annie Sloan paints with brick and mortar stores many times are also local artists and can refinish the cabinets for you or and/or match perfectly your room decor. Antique it, beach it, almost any effect you want.  Also easy to diy and save a bunch. Just practice on some old furniture for the effect you desire. WAF goes up unbelievably.