When it’s time to DFM the plan is to contact a CM that makes portable speakers

I don't know where you're planning to get it manufactured, but I can recommend a CM in the UK that I used for my own Kickstarter project (vela.io) and have continued to do so for multiple rounds of reorders. I originally found them via an intro from another indie hardware maker who sells high end portable speakers. If you want a chat, send me a DM on Twitter where my username is the same.

I’m probably just going to travel down to China and meet with some factories to get rid of any middle hands. Thanks though!