Ugly vs Gogeous speakers

...and one finds oneself at the 'aesthetics' of the reproducer of the sound we seek.  Speakers as 'sculpture', when the 'object of desire' needs to fulfill not just the qualities of recreating the music we love.  Since it's a focus of attention, one hopes that it looks 'good' or 'intriguing' while doing it.  The 'monkey box look' don't cut it no more... *G*  Unless one's listening area 'devices' need to support a lamp, a vase, or some cherished item, fitting into the trappings of a 'normal' living space that most of us have...

SAF becomes a factor for some.  If it doesn't fit her (or his, taking a 'liberal approach' to ones' relationships) thoughts on furnishings in a shared environment, more 'trad' designs will win the day and the nod. ;)

A lot of the 'high end' units look their best when allowed to stand as they are....high technology items, mechanisms like the flat screens we watch, no way to disguise their purpose.  They become 'audio jewelry', items of desire, high water marks of their intent, looking best when allowed to be such, 'minimalist' in their display.

ESLs' and MBLs', and their 'larger' cousins come to mind.  A Rothko painting betwixt would look fantastic.  Anything earlier...ehhh, selection becomes 'dicey'....'Renaissance'...it'd better be an original to pull it off. ;)

Everything else....*shrug*.  If you've got the dedicated space with all the appurtenances for 'room acoustics' that the space dictates that you Must Have to 'make it work' for you and the 'significant other' has ceded control of it to you.....

Knock yourself out. *G*

Personally, I'm working on a driver that 'disappears'.  Does what it does without drawing attention to itself.  That's my 'take' on the subject.  As for what you want to have to look at, enjoy the compromises involved.... 

I really like the shape and colors the Focal Sopra No.2 comes in. On the other hand, I think JBL has made some of the most hideous speakers in history. I feel like whoever styles those things has some strange obsession with butts and anuses because too many of their products look like butt cheeks or spread anuses to me. I suppose that says something about my gazing at butts and anuses, but I prefer to do that in the near field with women, not from afar with speakers. 

I think the vast majority of society finds physical appearance important in every phase of life. If I'm not attracted to it, I don't want it.

Aesthetically speaking, "Ugly" and "Gorgeous" are in the eye of the beholder.

For me it is Gale GS401 speakers:

www.vintagegale.com


Not only do they look spectacular, they sound it to. I actually prefer the sound of the Gale speakers to my B&W Nautilus 801 speakers. See my previous post on these speaker and a TT/Tube based system I have recently assembled.