Given what is available in today’s market, it is not necessary to compromise on sound or aesthetics - especially speakers that are available in different finished or woods. The advantage of competition. The exceptions are electrostatics or large (or multiple box) speakers or those requiring positioning that dominate the room.
Ugly vs Gogeous speakers
I know speakers should be all about sound but I can't help responding to the look as well and this presents me with a dilemma.
I have owned B&W Nautilus 803's for many years and love the sound and value (excellent sound for reasonable cost). I would love to upgrade but I (and wife) think that the retro Star Wars R2D2 looking speaker (802) is nothing we would have in our living space.
What do others think the best looking / sounding speaker is? Do looks matter to you?