WHAT'S UP WITH MARANTZ?

Long ago, I had an all black (no choice) system, but upgrading forced me into other colors (no choice). I was then cool with that, and started to enjoy mixing it up, because in a way it showcased the individual components. As I continued to upgrade, my choices became black only again. Today, I'm back to 99.5% black again. My last piece to upgrade is my line stage. One of my serious contenders for this is Coincident. Guess what, silver only!

So, the bigger question is, should we compromise the sound for aesthetics? For most of us, I believe the answer would be no, so the frustration over this finish issue is well understood.
Kenny

You gotta love Odyssey Audio's approach to face plate color!  Eight colors to chose from, and for an upcharge, the whole chasis can be anodized in your color choice.

I agree that different finishes/chassis colors should be made available when practical.  When buying upscale components such as the Marantz Reference series, the classic champagne gold should be available.  I would opt for that distinctive finish if investing in components of that pedigree.  I emailed Marantz about this issue last night and look forward to their response.

In the Home Theater Review of the Golden Ear Reference, the issue of the "only black" finish is addressed.  Again, if you're going to invest over $8000 in a pair of speakers, you might desire a menu of finish options be available to allow a distinctiveness of appearance in your listening space.  Perhaps Golden Ear will reconsider, realizing they are entering a more elite area of the marketplace.  

Here's hoping both companies will reassess their position.

@jmcgrogan2 .

Agree 100%.    In the US at least, I have seen overhead photos of freeways/parking lots with 80% of the cars in white or silver.  

Yeah, I have the same beef when MFG ’ S only offer sliver. Like you, no sale....but I did have to make one exception.

+1 Tim. I also made one exception, Pass Labs amps.

Speaking of cars honeybee2012, I agree. It seems that 90% of the cars on the road today are white/black/silver. Where have all the options gone?

Back to audio, Golden Ear speakers are ONLY available in black. I think that is the first I have ever heard of speakers only available in one finish.

I understand that it’s all about streamlining and cutting costs, but I don’t understand why a more expensive option finish cannot be a choice. If someone is willing to pay for a premium finish, why wouldn’t a manufacturer comply?

Just joking about anti Americanism. Understand that companies do market research and go with the highest profit model.  Not a big fan of black -  some people like red cars, some don't - no big deal.

You would think, however, that when you get to a certain price level there would be more options.

Yeah, I have the same beef when MFG ' S only offer sliver. Like you,  no sale....but I did have to make one exception. 

@honeybee2012,
I am not sure it is anti Americanism. Sometimes companies go with previous data and if they find that a market tends to buy 1 color most of the time, then it is much more economical for the company to offer that product in 1 color. Maybe when they were offering the champagne color in the US, it did not sell that well compared to Black? I personally would love to see that champagne color as well. But if the component produces great music, then color should not matter. Of course that is just my view, and I can understand that yours would be different.

@milpai  Yes, I know, this is an example of anti Americanism by Marantz.

They do have it https://www.marantz.co.uk/uk/products/pages/productdetails.aspx?catid=hifi&subcatid=sacdcdplayer&productid=sa10
In UK.

All kidding aside, they should have a "classic" champagne option.  
I know they had color options in Europe.   

After the gold rush.

"paint it black"

I agree.
They should offer an option of solid gold face plate and marble chassis for the money they're asking