what is more popular silver or black face plates

I prefer Conrad Johnson

The last two pieces of electronic gear I upgraded were based on the deal I got, and one had a black face plate (the SA 10) and the other had a silver face plate (the SLP 05) so for me it is more about the price of the gear that I want than the color of the face plate or chassis, but if price was not my consideration and I was ordering one I would choose silver.

I think certain gear looks better with a black faceplate and others silver. I personally don't care that much my gear is a mix.

I've had systems that were both although I've had black more often.  My current main system, which I believe will be my forever system, is black with the exception of the isolation transformer which was a carryover from previous system configurations, although I'll likely swap its silver faceplate for a black one soon.  All-in-all I prefer black.

Usually black, but ARC gear looks more "right" in natural aluminum (silver). Atma-Sphere’s champagne is my all-time favorite.