Ugly vs Gogeous speakers

@imhififan yeah, that second pair is hideous. The first you shared I kinda like..

I got a used pair of top of the line rbh speakers with nice wood veneer and rounded corners because my wife hated the giant black jbl L7s that I had. We were remodeling the basement and she told me the L7s were too ugly and had to go. I said sure, as long as I could buy a pretty pair that sounds at least as good.. that worked out well for me since the JBLs were $400 plus refurb effort.

For me, if they sound good, it makes them look better. It’s like a person you find just marginally attractive, but whom you find incredibly attractive after talking to and seeing who they are as a person. There is the inverse, in speakers as well..

I really like the look of these crazy bang and olufsen floor standers:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/bang-olufsen-beolab-90-loudspeaker

I always loved the look of Sonus Faber

Vandersteen Treos (CT in my case) have a clean architectural look I like, but also lots of lovely matched cherry veneer. I know the finish doesn’t add to the sound quality but since I spend a fair amount of time sitting facing them, and it’s nicer than the stretch-sock exterior of some towers.

The Treos replaced a pair of KEF LS-50s which were also beautiful, but I couldn’t find stands to put them on that didn’t ugly them up.

I have some ugly ones that sound great.

Daedalus speakers have heirloom quality woodwork. All pieces fitted and joined to perfection. No screws or nails. No mdf either. All solid North American hardwoods with gorgeous details. Plus the sonics are world class.