Can I safely darken my cherry wood speakers in sunlight?

[John22614]

Hi all,

I recently had the good fortune of purchasing some 804s's and an 804HTMs out of box from my local dealership at a decent discount. I recall hearing somewhere that if placed them in the sunlight the shade of the cherry wood will get darker. I would like to do that, but I am hesitant to just place them out on the patio on a sunny day and let nature do its thing. This is my first set of B&W speakers ever, and I love them. I'm concerned that direct sunlight might damage the drivers. So, I wanted to check in a see if anyone has experience with this and any suggestions on how or if I should do it.

[htsteve]

John,

I had N804's in a room with decent light. They were not in direct sunlight, though. They darkened up over time to a very nice color. I believe it was over a couple of years. I'm not sure about exposing to direct sunlight however. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

Another idea is to talk to B&W directly.



Hope this helps.

[John22614]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate your comments.

[NMG]

They will darken over time on their own. My cherry 703's are in a room that doesn't receive any direct sunlight, although a small amount of natural light will get into the room when the blinds are open. When I take the grills off I can see a VERY noticeable difference between the part of the cabinet that is covered and the part that isn't.

The colour of the cabinets now is absolutely gorgeous IMHO, much richer and deeper in tone than when they were right out of the box.

[WelshOne]

I read somewhere on a B&W blurb/manual, that you can use ultraviolet light to help balance out any uneven colour changes..............

[John22614]

very interesting......I had the feeling keeping the grills off might be helpful. My speakers are in the living room and get a good amount of indirect light so hopefully they will darken over time. I'll also check into the ultra violet option. I've seen pictures of some older cherry wood B&W's that look beautiful, hopefully mine will age to that deeper, richer shade. Even now they look pretty nice, but just not as stunning as darker ones.

[kmcheng]

They will darken over time. There is no need to risk exposure to the elements. Hifi is also a hobby of patience.

[John22614]

isn't that the truth.....thanks KM

[wettou]

very interesting......I had the feeling keeping the grills off might be helpful. My speakers are in the living room and get a good amount of indirect light so hopefully they will darken over time. I'll also check into the ultra violet option. I've seen pictures of some older cherry wood B&W's that look beautiful, hopefully mine will age to that deeper, richer shade. Even now they look pretty nice, but just not as stunning as darker ones.

My 802N are in direct sunlight and have been the same for the past 8 years. I think it is Cherry veneer so it doesn't darken