Finish Quality of Von Schweikert VR4jr's

Loonytunz,

I got the veneer cost from oakwoodveneer.com. My mistake was not taking into account the quality of veneer VSA is using. They are most likely using an inferior birch veneer. The finish on the jr's is lacquer according to Kevin at VSA. I spray lacquer all the time. Dry to the touch in 15 minutes; can be sanded in 30-40 minutes. I don't count drying time as other things can be done; ie you don't get paid to watch paint dry. Thinking about my estimate maybe I'm a little low. So, even if we double it were still talking about $200 added to the final retail. Remember, we're working in China where labor is dirt cheap.

From my post above, I had a pair of 4jr's in my room for about three months. I was in the market for a new pair of speakers at the same time to replace my B&W N805sigs (hated the finish - loved the sound). I ended up purchasing a pair of soliloquys. Like some of the posts above, I have to look at my speakers every day. I thought the fit and finish was better on the Soliloquys. As far as the sound goes, it was a toss up; just a matter of personal preference.

Prpixel,

Not to belabor the point, but maybe what we individually consider a 'furniture quality' finish isn't comparable?

It's quite possible they could apply a 'better' quality finish than what they currently offer for a small increase to the end user, but we'll just have to disagree that the jump from mediocre to furniture quality is too great to be accomplished for pocket change.

Loonytunes,

Yes, I agree that you can not do something like a French Polish, but a think they could do a "better" quality finish.

I guess there are many different definitions of "furniture quality" finish; depends on how much your willing to spend.

I know in my own shop I use about 8 different finishing techniques from simple sprayed finishes up to more advanced finishes such as French and English polishes or “layered” finishes.

Later,

Loonytunz: Thanks for the response on your speakers. Mine differ in the individual tops and bottoms match up exactly, just between the two they are much different. Only time will tell about the finish. I had a pair of VA Bach's before these and they definetly appear to have a much "thicker" finish after three years in my living room the only knicks on them were a pair at the bottom where my girlfriend (soon to be wife) hit them with the vacuum. I have made it very clear she is not to go near these w/the vacuum...we'll see if she listens, cause I plan to have these for a while. They have everything that I felt I was missing in my previous speakers. Anyone know how difficult it is to get the wood refinished down the road?

Anyone know if the scratches can be buffed out and then repaired buy additional coats of urethane, or another process?