Calling ATC owners

I have models in both of those finishes. Their walnut is nicely finished with retained grain texture - on par with most speaker mfr's quality - and of the lowest price tiering options excluding their painted "pro" option. Their premium rosewood option is slightly more refined, but not worth the bloated premium upcharge, and really no better executed (fit/finished) than most lesser expensive speaker mfr's offering exotic finishes. I bought all of my ATC's discounted (six 20's and two 100's) and were only available in these two colors for purchase. Though I'm not really into wood, the walnut (20's) is much easier to place in my modern/contemporary motif vs the 100's dominating rosewood presense. If I was buying new, had a choice of finishes and deep pockets, the birdseye maple is more to my likings.

FWIW,
F

Thanks Metro04, I appreciate that. I'm leaning towards the walnut at the moment.

I chose black because it can fit quite well in almost any decor, other colors are harder to incorporate anywhere.

I like black components, but I find the black ash in ATC is too "grainy" looking, imo. I prefer a smoother finish.

ATC has quantities made in cherry and walnut, which is why those are more reasonable. All woods (you name what you want and they quote it) are custom, hand done, one at a time. ATC's cabinet maker is extraordinary, matching grains, doing about the best that can be done I think. Veneers must be done inside and out to prevent bowing of wood over time, so this is partly why they are so expensive.

I really like the way they do veneers in the UK (think Bentley or Jag dashboards), it seems a skill that is harder to find elsewhere. The high gloss finish (whether over black, white or wood) is extraordinary; many many coats, the final looks quite deep.

Brad
ATC PRO USA