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How important is component “aesthetics” to you?

Obviously, performance, sound, etc is what matters most. However, some super fine, high performance products are just plain ugly. Aesthetcs does play an important role for me since we have placed a lot of emphasis on furnishing our home. 

Anyway, my search for a preamp has led me to the conclusion that ugly is more the norm. I love the look of glowing tubes with the Primalunas, mystere, Atma-sphere, Rogers, Decware, mapletree etc. In the solid state world, the macs have those famous blue meters. Even the “fake tube” older Peachtree components looked really nice. 

Just curious how “ looks” play a role when choosing components?
aberyclark
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
I don't want ugly gear, but as I have had to move and adjust to different living conditions I have to say: Smaller is Better!

What I long for are big CJ tube amps, monoblocks...what I have are Class-D monoblocks that fit on a shelf over the TV.

Even for simple things like pre-amps. Why do solid state pre's all need to be 18" deep? Why can't they be oh, 10" deep?
zavato's avatar
zavato
903 posts
 
They can be 10” deep. I’ve been amazed how some relatively large piece of equipment are pretty empty inside. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
1,105 posts
 
@zavato

I hear you....must be nice to own a piece of history. I believe MR78 is probably the best McIntosh tuner to date.

@erik_squires, I own Merrill’s THOR monoblocks and they are quite amazing. Love the small footprint!
paul8060
43 posts
 
Unfortunately, too important.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
Very. I've always loved the look of Conrad Johnson and Atma-Sphere's champagne-colored faceplates, the control knob layout on the Marantz 7, the Marantz Model 9 power amp, and the retro-styling of the Atma-Sphere M-60 Mk.3---with rounded corners and stainless steel plate behind the tubes (and original Quad tube pre, which can't really be retro, can it?!). In loudspeakers, the Magneplanar Tympani-IVa in black cloth and oak side rails looks amazing. George Cardas owns a pair, as do I.
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