I believe that last one is the current rosewood with a red (?) stain. It's not bad. I'm not sure if that's the current low gloss ... from the picture it looks more like a semi.
The older rosewood, like the one they were displaying on their home page is a much nicer rosewood (Santos). Axiom phased it out because the price went thought the roof.
I've looked at samples of the current rosewood and the older version santos rosewood (in natural and this reddish stain). Note: I've only seen samples of the rosewoods in person so the comparisons I'm going to give are based on that. I also have speakers in the natural walnut ... so I'll compare those as well.
The sample of the current naturally finished rosewood had a very slight pinkish tinge, a thinner less rich gain pattern (then santos), and the texture was the most pronounced of the three woods (deeper longer indentations, for a better word, than the walnut). The walnut is consistently textured with shorter, sallower checks but in the rosewood they stood out more because they were more in your face and fewer of them. That said this is my take and you may not mind it or feel the same way.
The natural santos RW is richer colored, nicest grained, and smoothest of the three. Running from a golden brown to a darker brown in wide a beautiful grain pattern with minimal texture. In the red stain it's quite nice but without any another factors I'd lean toward the natural. The main reason to go red is because you're looking for a statement or to fit your decor.
The natural walnut is very nice alternative to the natural santos ... its pattern is more brown to darker brown and does not have the richness but considering the cost (adding something like %25 to %100 the speaker cost)... I'd lean that way instead of the natural santos unless money is not an issue. In that case you'll get IMO the most beautiful wood axiom can get its hands on. The current natural rosewood, depending on your eye, might be ok but I nixed it for myself all the reasons stated above.
If I were to go with the current rosewood I'd consider a stain to hid the tinge. If you're going to pay the big bucks ... get a sample before pulling the trigger.
This is an amazingly good description. I think i understand the picture you are painting.
For the primary reason of price i was thinking of nixing the rosewood idea as well. I'm not sure it's worth the cost especially when the walnut has a really nice grain that stands out as well. I think for the sake of sanity, i'll probably just drop that from the list to narrow down the choices.
Thanks for the stellar write up and notes on the latest with rosewood!
If you have any pictures, post some up.
