Thanks chesseroo,
I was thinking maybe I'd try my luck at the outlet and if the blemishes are too much I'd return them and just go and order a brand new pair from the regular axiom store not the outlet. Then again they'd have to look pretty bad for me to loose $100 to ship them back.

Instead of using the outlet I'm also considering a custom finish. I wonder if custom finished speakers are returnable if you just don't like the sound of the speakers.

Radden Home Theater