What's up with the 'Piano' gloss????


Forgive me if I'm just totally ignorant as to the inner workings of style. But why in the world has this super high gloss finish come to symbolize higher quality? I'm a wood worker, furniture builder, and a man who enjoys the joys of higher fidelity and I can't for the life of me imagine why anyone would want some crazy, super-shiny, impossible to keep finish in their listening rooms, much less their home. Am I alone? Please say it ain't so. That is all.
hhdinc
i have owned two pair of piano black speakers. both were bought used so i didn't have any options. when i bought my used von schweikert dB99 speakers, there was also another pair finished in macassar ebony for about $5000 more. as much as i LOVE that ebony finish, i couldn't justify an additional $5k just for a different finish. had i been buying new, then i would've gone with ebony all the way. but i bought used and as such was at the mercy of what the seller and my wallet could agree on.
I use the #1 on the speakers to keep them clean and pretty much dust free and have had no need to use #2 or 3. I have used #1,2, and 3 on my VPI turntable, and it took a mediocre looking acrylic base and made it really incredible. #2 would probably work on the speakers if you had fine scratches, but I would try it on the back plate or some area not very visible first. I have also used a few automotive products including McGuire's top grade car wax.
I loved the hi gloss of my Piega p10's. Matched with several different rooms i put them in. I actually like the Burl walnut of the Avalons best but the Piano black was nice, too.