Who, do you think, designs the best looking tube-based devices?

I disagree, one of the enticing things about tube gear, besides it sounding better, IMHO, is the nice glow of tubes, and the cool retro way it looks. Why would I want to hide the most appealing qualities of a tube amp? We are all entitled to our opinions and the OP doesn’t like the looks of tubes sticking out, that’s fine, just not my cup of tea. I also dislike interconnects or speaker wire in the front of the amp too, even if it’s adventacious because it’s a shorter signal path. Keep them on the back out of the way.


As the late Roger Modjeski (RIP) of Music Reference once wrote on designing tube amps was to leave the transformers in the back and the tubes up front for aesthetics and better air flow. All of his tube amp designs have been known for very long tube life as well. I think his RM9 and RM10 are both extremely attractive looking. I much prefer that look to the ARC, cj and other tube amps where the tubes are completely hidden.

@lou_setriodes, do you even read what people write? The ones I like - do they have their tubes hidden?!? Everyone else, who posted a reply, seems to have understood me correctly. I was only wondering, which ones look pretty in people’s eyes.

There’s nothing wrong with tubes sticking out. However, for some "unknown reason", some look nice and some...not so much

Consonance Droplet 5.0 CD player

I think my Audio Mirror 45 Watt SETs are beautiful!

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/3600

audioinfidel - what’s your friggen problem? I mentioned my preferences just like everyone else here did. So why do you have an issue with my comment and no one else’s?

You wrote, “The reason I chose specifically devices with tubes is because, in my opinion, it’s much harder to design something good -not to mention gorgeous- looking with tubes and transformers sticking out.”

From that, I gather you prefer tube amps with the tubes hidden. That’s perfectly fine, that’s what you like. Everyone else stated what they like and think is appealing to them, but when I do, you have an issue with it. 

Sorry, not very familiar with Air Tight, Allnic, Shindo, or Atmasphere as those products are generally above my affordability level and not what I’m wllling to spend on a tube amp.