Great systems in butt-ugly rooms

I agree with those that see the room and the equipment as a total package!! I love my equipment but I also love the ambience of the room. Since my wife was in on the room design, everybody has something to cheer about. Late at night, with the lights dimmed and the equipment doing its' thing - I can close my eyes and enjoy the music or open my eyes and enjoy the room AND the music. In case you are wondering (I knew you were) the room is acoustically well done and 19' (on average) by 35'. Plenty of room for those big 20.1 Maggies and all the optimal furniture placement that is required.

You don't drink fine wine through a straw - neither should you listen to good music in a closet - If you can help it! Having said that (it sounds aloof!) I have been guilty of the equivalent of drinking fine wine through a straw.

Lest there be no confusion here - it is first and foremost about the music but when it is possible to enhance the music with "designer surroundings" (whatever that conjures up in your mind) it is a double whammy benefit. Can't afford the fancy room? - nobody cares - it's your excursion. If I sounded snobby a few posts ago - my apologies. Not intended at all. Just making the point that when the room is pleasing it just adds to the pleasure of the experience.

Fussy people like fussy. Fussy is fun for fussy people.
Fussy is not fun for non-fussy people. There, I guess that about covers all of it!

CWlondon: Yes, I am in the "looks matter" camp. HST, if it came down to either/or . . I would take the equipment. I am fortunate to have both the room and the equipment.

And, yes Shadorne, I agree with you also.

I am fussy and as any fussy person knows - it is a personality defect that is insurmountable.