Thanks for responses. I was very close to pulling the trigger on a madisound speaker kit before my last speaker purchase but I was sure I would mess it up somehow. I do have experience putting flat packs together as I've assembled a few dayton audio DIY subwoofer kits but those are less complex than a speaker. You are guys are convincing me though.
No frills speaker manufacturers
What are some speaker companies that put all or most of their build budget into parts and design function and none or hardly none into aesthetic? If there was no wife acceptance factor and you didn't give a hoot about how they look what speakers would you buy?