Tmsorosk, I realize it was part of the design and a part of it's function. But my point is that aesthetics was apart of the consideration on the drawing board. I believe the majority of audio gear manufactures invest a lot in the appearance. And the only logical reason is pride. Pride in design for them and pride in ownership for us. I don't mean to say 100%, if anyone is the percentage of those that don't, I mean no offence, my opinion only.
Drive and Hifihvn,tour points are valid. I just wanted to comment because, that now we refer to both audio and computers as MAC. Although McIntosh used it first and deserves to continue in doing so. And since MacIntosh uses the letter "A" in it's name, they most certainly should. And believe me, I don't expect it ever change, but as a long time McIntosh owner, it is a pet pieve of mine. *see pride above. So when you see me us "Mc" to refer to McIntosh have some patience with me, I am stubborn and doubt is will change anytime soon! Just a round peg in a square hole world, but I love my music.