I am a huge Aric Audio fan (I own his Transcend "Push Pull" EL34 amp, and his Motherlode XL preamp. I do have to agree when you are dropping $7,400 on a pair of speakers, they do need to look great as well. Hopefully the new carpenter helps, and maybe a simple magnetic cloth grill?
I too would like to see Aric at Axpona, but I did not see him on the exhibitors list