The cabinetry in our home is a beautiful dark walnut. And, if you don't look too closely, you'd imagine there's a lot of solid walnut that went into their construction.
Truth is, they are a walnut veneer. Underneath is plain old particle board.
The craftsmanship of the cabinet maker is such that even knowing they are a veneer doesn't matter. They look and feel as solid as one might expect.
Does it matter?
In the case of my cabinets I dare say not, other than some bragging rights about having spent a lot of money (and who wants to brag about that?).
Which brings me, of course, to audio veneers. No, not the rosewood veneers found on loudspeaker cabinets—which are a benefit because the particle board (MDF) base is much better, sonically, than a hardwood—but to the drivers themselves.
My mentor, partner, and long time friend, the late Arnie Nudell, put a lot of effort into fancy woofer cone veneers: carbon fibre, spun aluminum, polypropylene and graphite, were among his favorites. The frames and motors of these woofers were as low cost and ordinary as possible. From his company Infinity to the one we shared, Genesis, you'll find cheap woofers with fancy veneers.
Tweeters and midranges? No compromise there.
Why am I bringing this up? Aside from a little venting of a long held pet peeve, I just thought it interesting to point out that veneers are double edged swords. They can enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of everything from teeth to loudspeakers, or they can be used to cover up compromise.
The choices we make can have genuine long lasting benefits that enhance lives and products, or they can paper over shortcuts that eventually fade into obscurity.
Like lipstick and pigs, if you're going to invest in products with timeless value, it pays to peek under the covers.