2. best-of
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Best looking / worst looking amps & preamps

OK, this week we garnered opinions on the best looking and ugliest speakers. Now it's time to assess the best looking and worst looking amps and preamps. To make the discussion more focused, let's confine choices to amps and preamps manufactured since 1980. Ready....GO!
sdcampbell
jameswei
795 posts
 
I like blue lights so I'd like to nominate the new Pass X Series and the Hovland amps for good looks. I agree the Perreaux blob style was a turnoff, and their new look is much more palatable.
popeye1
18 posts
 
jeff rowland gorgeous
jla
231 posts
 
I like the looks of the Graff SET amplifiers made in Italy...absolute works of art. I also like the more utilitarian estetics of the Audio Research gear (silver only). The Hovland amp and pre look very impressive as well. I don't care for the gold Acuphase look at all.
john_l
782 posts
 
My all time favorites are the Audio Research Ref1 and vt100 in black. I just like the well-built minimalism. Silver is good too.

Other greats include Hovland pre and amp, and of course the Tenor amps !

Left Field: I also really like the Funky pass labs aleph series (with the right decor).
maxgain
526 posts
 
OMG! I just saw the Ampzilla 2000. WOW! I think I may need to vomit. Looking at it's like having a sharp object crammed into your retina. You win James. No one can top that(I hope)unless they hire some designers from the old AMC automobile company.
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