Could they sell a high-end amp without the fancy

You may want to check out Blue Circle audio - they manufacture a wide range including hi-end products that would certainly compete with the best. Gilbert Yeung has carved out a niche market with his custom designs. Cosmetics is never a priority, the focus is internal - not many manufacturers build power supplies like they do.

Just another happy customer.

Taters,

There is a company like you describe ... take a look at Blue Circle Audio. They manufacture a range of products including high end gear that can compete amongst the best. I don't know of many established manufacturers who will offer the level of customizations that Gilbert does, which is unique IME.

Blue Circle doesn't place much priority on cosmetics and largely focuses on what goes inside the case. Cosmetics are really up to the customer and how much they want to spend for eye candy. Gilbert is not shy about using PVC pipe for those customers who only care about the performance.

I wouldn't underestimate the cost that goes into audio jewelery. When you don't have large fabrication runs of faceplates/cases (which is most high-end audio companies) the costs can be very high. The custom faceplates for my monoblocks added an additional cost of $2k for both amps - and I know that is low compared to the exotic casework you often see. You could argue that is only 6% of the overall cost of the amps, but that $2k would buy a lot of CDs. For myself, it was important to have something that looked nice but I have seen one of their customers who choose not to have any faceplate at all.

Just another happy customer.

One area I'm familiar with where design has become more fun is the guitar/bass amp world. Mesa "Transatlantic" tube heads are GORGEOUS (little LED lit innards, very hip and sophisticated designs), and lots of cool ass "boutique" tube amps are beautiful retro looking art, and great sounding things. Tons of reissued 50s and 60s style classics, stuff that looks like old radios...it's nuts, and all good.

Sorry for the double post. Thought my first one didn't make it through.

Check out Digital Amplifier Company. Very high end minimalist in nature.