[Eliot Ness]

First of all it really hacks me off that these classic radios are being raped of their speakers so they can be shipped to some fool in Asia.

I also think it would be foolish to spend that kind of money on a speaker, so your idea has merit and is sure worth a try. The ironic part is your 'economy' speaker will most likely have higher fidelity that the high dollar originals being sent overseas.