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How important is component “aesthetics” to you?

Obviously, performance, sound, etc is what matters most. However, some super fine, high performance products are just plain ugly. Aesthetcs does play an important role for me since we have placed a lot of emphasis on furnishing our home. 

Anyway, my search for a preamp has led me to the conclusion that ugly is more the norm. I love the look of glowing tubes with the Primalunas, mystere, Atma-sphere, Rogers, Decware, mapletree etc. In the solid state world, the macs have those famous blue meters. Even the “fake tube” older Peachtree components looked really nice. 

Just curious how “ looks” play a role when choosing components?
aberyclark
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hk_fan
460 posts
 
Aesthetics are important to me.  Call me shallow, but I like my electronic gear to be beautiful as well as sound amazing.  I think Levinson is some of the most rewarding gear to own in terms of appearance and man/machine tactile interface.  They do it right IMO.
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Op should look at Raven Audio they make some of the best looking and sounding tube amps that money can buy. I have a Reflection Integrated MK2 tube amp that is a thing of beauty and outstanding power and sound. I actually have it as a show piece and every time a guest comes into my house they want to know what that cool looking piece of machinery is.


I agree that Raven has really nice looking gear. However, the Raven emblem could be toned down quite a bit. Maybe, a bit smaller. To me, the size of the emblem looks too "chevy". Some of the newer Chevy cars (I despise General Motors for their company culture) look decent except for the giant size bow tie emblem.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Probably the 2 "prettiest" components I've ever owned are my Cary SLP-98 pre-amp (in "jaguar red" with black faceplate), & my former Merlin TSM-M's (also in red).

The SLP-98 also has the advantage of having a separate power supply, so that the preamp is very slim & small. And the tubes are exposed. It doesn't look like just a metal box.


donjr
1,335 posts
 
It had nothing to do with choices I've made. Hey, I owned a Hegel that I thought was uglier than any piece of gear I've ever owned and I bought it new. I did however find I like the sound qualities of  Accuphase much better and I do find the Accuphase gear aesthetically appealing which is only a bonus for me. 
dumacker
22 posts
 
Can the way something look effect how clearly it will sound?  Most likely not.  But, for example a Mystere integrated tube amp looks sooooo good in black enamel!

If you want it to look better then it sounds...

Look at some of the British Hi-Fi selling for 10's of thousands of dollars (per component).

whats it worth to you?  Beauty or Truth?

I say lets hear the truth.

jhv
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