I share with other's views that a choice is dependent upon the woodwork in the room and other furniture that the speakers will share space with. I am not partial to black lacquer, myself. Too shiny for my taste, they show dust and finger prints too easily, and I have found that some of the finishes can be surface scratched very easily unless one is VERY careful.
My grandfather was a furniture builder and taught me how to work with veneers many moons ago. The most beautiful speakers I ever owned were a pair of the old Larger Advents that I custom-covered in Brazilian Rosewood BURL veneer. After applying the veneer, all surface were then hand rubbed with danish oil and powdered pumice. Incredible. I ultimately gave these to a girlfriend in college whom I thought I would marry. Wrong! Wish I still had those cases. Hate to think what it would cost to buy such large pieces of that burl wood today!
Off the shelf, I like the build quality and wood selection of many of the Sonus Fabers. One of these days, when I am retired from HAVING to work, I will build my own cases. Always thought this would be a fun hobby/sideline.
