Cleaning, polishing Speaker Cabinets ?

Wow , these responses have been very helpful. I am going to try some of the products mentioned here. Will let you know effectiveness once I find and try them.

Another +1 for orange oil.

Natatmvs. I read up on your speakers and they are finished with a process akin to automobile painting using a catalyzed polyester finish. The last thing in the world you want to use is an oil based wood furniture polish. Clean all the old lemon oil residue off with furniture cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth (don't use any cloth that can scratch the polyester finish.) I've never felt the need to use anything other than Mother's "Showtime" automotive detailing spray on my similarly finished speakers.

What Photon says, oil is not going to produce the desired effect with an "on the wood" finish. Treat it just like you would your car. The problem now is you have an oil based film on top of the finish, that has to be removed first. And it'll take something with a bit of solvent capability to completely remove, I'd use ammonia free Windex. Once it's clean, feel with the tips of your fingers and if the surface isn't glass smooth - if you feel any roughness or grit - it'll have to be cleaned further with a clay bar.

Once the oil is removed and the surface is free of contaminants, then you could use an automotive wax for a full shine or automotive detailer as mentioned above for quick shine. If you have scratches or swirls, again it has to be dealt with just as you would a car, with compound and a buffer.

The mistake you made is thinking you're applying anything to the wood, you're not. The finish is an impenetrable layer, so it is the only thing your cleaning regimen will effect.

I have a real wood Daedalus speaker, not sealed by lacquer. Lou recommends Lemon oil for his speakers and I have found it excellent, smells good too.

I don't think people take enough notice of the difference. A Lacquered finish isn't really wood any more, it is like a gloss finish on a car. Real wood needs treating to stop it drying out and it changes over time. Typically the colour darkens significantly over time, my speakers certainly have over the last 5 years.