How important is aesthetics to you in purchasing

If you buy something that looks great but sounds so-so, you will not be happy with it in the long run. It will be like a thorn poking you every time you listen in dim light. And the upgrade bugs will bite sooner rather than later. I would go with good sound first.

Especially the appearance of speakers is very important consideration for me, when I was looking for speakers my dealer had Vandersteen, Dunlavy & Avalon available. I though each speaker sounded great and I would be happy to listen to, however the appearance of the Vanderstenn Black cloth turned me off, the large size of the Dunlavy's was in practical, the Avalon was the right choice for me. The cabinet construction quality is fabulous.

Good Question! Wow. IT makes you wonder about how we think and what pleases us with this stuff.
I do like equipment to look great, but sound is foremost I think. Still, if It doesn't look good, it's hard to get TOTALLY happy with something you have to look at all the time! Now if it's hidden, I can be MORE HAPPY with the gear if it sounds nice.
Hummmmmm...never thought too much about that. But I think you're right. It does make a difference to how I feel about the gear!
Maybe we're just vain. Naw!...there's an old saying,"if it don't go fast,CROME it!!! I guess that makes sense.

1st: Sound quality
2nd: Construction quality
3rd: Service availability & company reputation
4th: Appearance* I like the "industrial" but high quality look of most Levinson components.

*Like Lpgal, I don't think I could tolerate ugly speakers though. Cheers. Craig

I hate to admit it but looks came before sound 'cause of the WAF. I was going to get Nautilus 802's but she said that she was likely to start having conversations with them. I ended up with 803s which she's more than happy with (so am I now that I've got over the 802 decision). She likes in-walls for surrounds but I have to admit they're practical, if not tops in sound quality. The electronics were less important to her - the racks were her focus. She doesn't like all the little blue lights that stay on. I think it bugs her but she's living with it. And she absolutely would not stand to see any 'wires'. So, in my environment, looks were top priority, but they haven't compromised the sound too much.

All these compromises paid dividends in the long run - she redesigned the living area and I scored a nice new leather recliner that's positioned in the prime listening position.