Form Follows Function. If wood adds to the function of the equipment,
and if the equipment is designed properly, it should look and sound
good.
Otherwise, use what functions the best, which would seem to be
whatever material reduces RFI/EMI.
Supratek comes to mind as a company that successfully blends wood
and metal (copper, chrome...) into beautiful looking and functioning
preamps and amps. First Sound, on the other hand, uses a copper lined
chassis, precision volume pots and selectors and point to point wiring to
produce a preamp with sublime functionality. Out of that functionality
comes the Presence Deluxe II's beauty.
To answer your poll, since the question seems to be based entirely on
visual preference, I have to answer "Neutral".
and if the equipment is designed properly, it should look and sound
good.
Otherwise, use what functions the best, which would seem to be
whatever material reduces RFI/EMI.
Supratek comes to mind as a company that successfully blends wood
and metal (copper, chrome...) into beautiful looking and functioning
preamps and amps. First Sound, on the other hand, uses a copper lined
chassis, precision volume pots and selectors and point to point wiring to
produce a preamp with sublime functionality. Out of that functionality
comes the Presence Deluxe II's beauty.
To answer your poll, since the question seems to be based entirely on
visual preference, I have to answer "Neutral".

