Best looking / worst looking amps & preamps

Interesting topic. Unfortunately high end gear is pretty darn ugly.

McIntosh does a good job of producing a unique looking product - which is attractive - to some. See the Tube MC2000 for a splendid example.


Rcprince is correct about both the Jadis and LAMM gear. However, I have always wondered why Jadis puts the tubes in the back. It seems they would look better if the tubes were front facing.

T_bone! You might have found the ugliest gear ever! That Linear Technology stuff is horribly ugly.

Enjoy the Music's Tube Lust page has quite a few examples of beautiful equipment.

Beautiful Preamp??
Supratek Syrah preamp

ugliest-Nagra, some of the older Naim. Prettiest-Wadia, Hovland pre.,McIntosh tube.

How about the Art Audio Jota? It loooks nice to me. Emotive amps or preamps are beautiful too. I just dislike "tank" look... would prefer more tubes gears' look.

I think Mcintosh is seriously ugly in that timeless way you cant really get around. I like their look.

Sean, you ever try to turn a Shallco selector with a 1" knob? There is a reason the Blowtorch knobs are 2.25" in diameter and it ease in use as prefer not to modify the contact pressure Shallco chose........

Bob Crump
CTC Builders