Stuck on cabinet color

If you can't decide, maple is an excellent choice. Because the light colour is neutral, it goes with everything colourwise. Stylewise, it looks better with modern or transitional furnishings. It can look out of place with antique style furnishings that have a richer, deeper wood colour. The bird's eye is maple particularly striking. High WAF if that is a consideration for you.

I have cherry speakers. My rack, however, is rosewood. The two look absolutely horrible together.

Looking good is important if you have your rig in the living room and a significant other who must also be happy. Not all audiophiles keep their rigs in damp, dark basements where they can listen in solitude with nothing to disturb them except the whirring of the propellors on their beanies.

Light colors on floorstanders make them conspicuous - not a good idea. Dark colours are much more popular if you ever need to sell it. Dark colors will match more things that light colors.

Macrojack: I laughed on AudioGon for the first time in two years because of your post. This is almost like having Slappy back!

Shadorne - I'm trying to convince myself that your opening statement is not true but I can't... I really like the light color but for exactly the reasons you stated (conspicuous and resale value plus it's more money) I'm thinking you're right...

I would not get light colors. When I listen to speakers
the brighter colors can be distracting and annoying
especially if the sun or a bright light shines on it;
there could be glare, too.
Darker wood is always my preference and better for resale,
too.