need advice on refinishing speakers. Do's & Don'ts

If they're a simple (box) shape, you could have a furniture-maker laminate a new layer of veneer over the existing surface in any wood you like. You have to remove all the hardware first, but it is do-able.

re-veneering will be a lot easier than re-finishing.

Even easier - PAINT them - if you want to go radical - like red or blue... checkout wilson audio's latest color palette.

If they are what's termed Black Ash finish - I have refinished a few black xerxes turntables.
Nitromors and fine wire wool should remove the Black.
You will never get all the black out of the grain and it tends to look a bit unatural but finished with wipe on coloured wax and buffed up, it looks a damn site nicer than black ash!
I would also tend to go with having a cabinet maker redo the veneer.

I have done what you are considering with pretty good success. I would never do it again due to the large amount of work involved and the significant time it takes. If you go ahead, the post by Markphd is a great tutorial and excellent advice. Fortunately, my Alon V's had relatively thick veneer. I was able to get most of the black out of the grain in the oak veneer by using a medium/soft nylon bristle brush in conjunction with the stripper. Do not brush too hard. I totally agree with the use of a dark stain for your situation due to the trace of black that will be left in the wood grain. Stains with some amount of red in them seem to be popular, such as a mahogany blend. I also agree with removing the drivers and crossovers. Before choosing a finish, you should look at the differences and relative benefits of using a spray laquer finish instead of urethane. However, the finish you choose is really a personal preference issue. With any finish, work in an area with minimal airborne dust or dirt. Good luck.

Mitch2
thanks... I agree.
Infact I called the Phase Tech Factory and asked about removing the drivers and what all it entailed... It's a snap according to them... Couple screws, and two wires on the units..

Given the detailed info and detailed work involved, along with the fact I'd like them to come out of this looking as good as they do now, 'cept another color... I think it best to have someone else do the deed. My concern for the outcome has increased, so to has the fear of really messing things up... so I'm gonna pursue having a pro do the refinishing thing... and do like a cherry or mahogany thing as was posted... maybe a Walnut.

With new drivers, networks, and refinishing, it'll be $900. Six of it into the refinishing... Not bad for a new set of speakers. the $225 or so, I put into the same brand two ways was way worth the money.... really worth while.

Thank you all for your time and efforts for sharing your past experiences and insights. My speakers aren't megga buck units here but are quite good sounding. this little redo venture I think will be a super improvment all around.