Best looking / worst looking amps & preamps

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Jadis equipment, which is nice eye candy. Lamm is great equipment, but given its price it has to go in the ugly category, at least the amps.

Interesting topic. Unfortunately high end gear is pretty darn ugly.

McIntosh does a good job of producing a unique looking product - which is attractive - to some. See the Tube MC2000 for a splendid example.


Rcprince is correct about both the Jadis and LAMM gear. However, I have always wondered why Jadis puts the tubes in the back. It seems they would look better if the tubes were front facing.

T_bone! You might have found the ugliest gear ever! That Linear Technology stuff is horribly ugly.

Enjoy the Music's Tube Lust page has quite a few examples of beautiful equipment.

Beautiful Preamp??
Supratek Syrah preamp

ugliest-Nagra, some of the older Naim. Prettiest-Wadia, Hovland pre.,McIntosh tube.

How about the Art Audio Jota? It loooks nice to me. Emotive amps or preamps are beautiful too. I just dislike "tank" look... would prefer more tubes gears' look.

I think Mcintosh is seriously ugly in that timeless way you cant really get around. I like their look.