Yesterday I recieved my QS8s and was astonished. Not astonished at the quality of the speaker, the terrific sound, but at the asthetic appearance of the cabinetry with the use of cheap vinyl. To me it makes the speaker look like it should be on the dsicount shelf at Sears or Walmart. The vinyl is fine for a man cave but not in my living room.

Has anyone had expereince with customizing their orders to wood grain or the piano finish? Are the stain colors projected on-line realistic or are they off a shade or two?

I am returning the speakers tomorrow.

Hi BadDog

The custom piano finishes will be a BIG improvement over the vinyl wrap however it comes at quite a premium. Have you gone through the pricing because they are priced differently than the stock finishes? As for the accuracy of the pictures it is best to see the finish in person. If you are that concerned you can order some samples from Axiom for the finish(es) you like/interested in.

Like Dr. House, I would strongly recommend ordering samples from Axiom. Monitors can have vastly differing color reproduction, and html is not known for its accuracy in color...

I'm satisfied with the Cinnamon Beech vinyl. It has a much better look than the black oak or the boston cherry that I also have. The boston cherry looks good in direct sunlight, but I don't care for it otherwise.

I would be ordering some samples to get exactly what you are looking for. Once you make the move to the real wood veneers the cost differential is gone but the sound quality is the same. I have seen Axiom's real wood veneer, the Rosewood, and it looks incredible, worthy of furniture grade.

Hi,

You like their sound. Enjoy them while Axiom manufactures you a pair in a real wood finish which you will be proud to hang in your living room. Axiom even offers a custom match service if you need to match a wood in your room. Simply contact me jc@axiomaudio.com for the upgrade or dial Axiom's toll free number (1.866.244.8796). I'll gladly assist you.

[/knuckle drag]
Grog like vinyl.
Grog no like BadDoggy.
Grog think JC nice man.
::retreats to mancave::
[knuckle drag]

Man, I hope that one day my living room is nice enough to where I can say the same thing with a straight face.

If you get a real wood finish it might help to order all of the speakers you want in that finish at the same time. I ordered my M60s in cherry chestnut semi-gloss, and then center and surrounds about 6 months later in the same and there was a noticeable difference in the stain. Maybe because they were made at different times I guess. Not a significant difference, but the towers were quite a bit darker and not as glossy as the center and surrounds turned out to be that were ordered and made at the same time in the same batch. If they make the set at one time they will probably all be uniform in appearance.