Amps with meters ...

I think having nice big analog VU meters, on the face of a vintage amplifier, makes for an easier sale to novices. I know they're useless, but they do look cool on some vintage gear. A MAC would look naked without those big blue meters staring out at you.

"Any visual distraction disrupts your ability to listen."

My wife always says that when i see her braless.........

How do you know?

My Marantz 4400 quad system. I would stare at the ocilloscope and it sounded the best....duuude.

I have two Pioneer Spec-4 amps and can't imagine them without the big meters. When I'm really into the music, I'm too busy dancing around to be distracted by them. Also have an Accuphase E-202 integrated that has power meters, but they are defeatable. Just to show how warped I am, the first Spec-4 I bought had a non-functioning meter. I refused to use it, bought another very nice Spec-4, and searched e-Bay for a year before finding a replacement meter. But don't write me off - I also own gear by Cary and Musical Fidelity. IMHO, it's all good for what ails us.