I think the particular nature of the high-ender AUDIOPHILE AND GEAR-LOVER (let's use the right terminology for once) makes it an absolute must that a design be good-looking, and at least, inspire refinement. Have you looked at this 9200 amp? Points should be given to Plinius for originality, but otherwise, it is pretty ugly. Totally subjective of course, and I may be totally off the track, but big-buck gear need to INSPIRE.!!! Still, I would love to get my hands (and mostly ears) on one and see if the reality of it all matches the reputation.
