Lots of folks can surprise us with knowledge and understanding of speakers. But without passion, resources, business acumen, manufacturing skills, patience and luck, they will just amount to one of hundreds who've gone out of business building speakers. If you go down that road, assume that 75% of your price has been gambled, because resale value is almost nil, regardless of the speakers' merits. That puts the achievements of Avalon, Merlin, Magnepan, Vandersteen, Thiel, et al in rarified air. Even often immortalized desginers like Albert Von Schweikert have folded their companies. IMHO, if you want custom work, redo your kitchen. Cheers,
Spencer
Spencer