Audiophile demographics?

I would say she looked at the whisk as a tool to perform no matter how it subjectively looked. If only we would approach audio technology in an equally rational way. 

djones Good point. One picks up a whisk, imagines it as an extension of their arm and hand. Problem with audio technology is that it is never really possibly an extension of our own capabilities. It's job is to present things TO us. Possibly another relevant dimension (cf. "ready to hand" vs. "present to hand" in Heidegger).

True, the whisk would apply more to  how men view hammers. Certain ones for certain applications. Using stereotypes diamonds and rubies make women feel more feminine and huge speakers and glowing tubes men more masculine. If only stereo equipment appreciated like jewelry. 

I think true (maybe more serious or committed) audiophiles only care about how their systems sound - the ones who care more about how it looks are looking to show it off (possibly) - ergo all the attached pictures showing their impressive equipment on this and other websites.

Also, I disagree with the appreciation comment of jewelry being better than stereo equipment. They can both be antiques and the appreciation is highly dependent on the individual object. Some jewelry is almost worthless immediately after purchase.

@sokogear Interesting comment about only sound mattering to serious audiophiles. Would you say the same thing about food -- doesn't matter how it looks, only how it tastes? It seems that analogy should carry over. If it doesn't, I'm curious what you think the difference is.