NATURAL CHERRY VENEER

Some of my furniture (not stereo related)is made of solid cherry with no veneer. I have had them over 3 years. Cherry does darken over time and should reach 70-80% of it's final color within 6-8 months depending on air, sunlight, etc. Afterwards it darkens more slowly and will reach it's final color within 2 years. That's what the manufacturer told me and that's been my experience. So, no cherry does not darken forever, and it does darken faster in the beginning. Just remember my experience is not with veneer. I also want to add one thing. Being that my furniture includes end tables, where various knick-knacks covered parts of the pieces. Sometimes I didn't move things around for weeks and never found "tan lines." Therefore as BMPNYC pointed out maybe they were there to begin with. It would seem that one week with no sunlight would not be enough time to cause "tan lines." I don't know if this info helps or adds more to you dilema. Anyway, good luck.

G, How is the "cover-up" working?, ( or is it too soon to tell?). I think that there may have been something in shipping, (heat perhaps?), that may have caused a chemical rection with the styrofoam and created the "tan lines". I think you should exchange them. B&W will find a way to fix or use the returned speakers. Why should you spend thousands of dollars, and not be satisfied? have you tried any type of mild cleanser or polish? If you tried it I don't think it will void your warranty. Maybe you might consider trying B&W customer service. They responded quickly to some of my inquiries.

Thanks, all. I believe that the tan lines were made in my living room, The curtains were drawn, but (I did not mention this before) they are pretty flimsy, and white to boot. I'll give it a week in the same conditions, if it doesnt correct itself, I'll talk to B&W. Right now I have newsapers wrapped around them, and in it's design, at least, my solution seems to be ok. Today I am going to buy some posterboard and use that, as I can just see Murphy's Law kicking in, and the text from the newspaper being burned into my veneer. Unlikely, but perhaps possible. Thanks again, HEY P_MMK, when you moved the knic knacks on your table, did the marks ever go away???

I have Avalon Eclipse speakers in quilted cherry. I've had them for about 4 years and they, of course, have darkened. To my eyes -- and those of friends who periodically visit -- the color has remained the same for the last two years. Natural cherry reaches such a beautiful color and richness when exposed to direct and indirect sunlight! My recommendation is to open the shades and allow all parts of the wood to get exposed. At first the direct sunlight will darken areas a little faster, but with time the color will match nicely. Also, been watching my friend's Quilted cherry Avalons go from light to dark with time. Beautiful to watch the transformation. I agree with P_mmk, in about 2 years they will be as dark as they will ever get (as long as they see some indirect sunlight everyday). Good luck!

I have red cherry N801's and they also darkened over time. To help you even out the color, I use Pledge polish which comes in a yellow trigger spray bottle. The product is a wax free pump spray(non-aerosol) and contains silicone polishing agents instead of wax so it can be used regularly. The shine on the finish will deepen each time you use it. Apply with a very soft cloth turning the cloth frequently. Do not touch the polish or the rag accidentally to the drivers. The red finish on my 801's looks outstanding. Visitors compliment on their beautiful appearance regularly.