Beauty is only skin deep? Maybe yes, maybe no....your vote for the best looking...


Most of us are influenced by the cosmetics of anything, especially humans.  I have had great cars that are superb in handling or some aspect of performance...and have had some that were simply great looking.  

I was wondering what, in your audio journey, have been the best looking (in your eyes/mind) components, speakers..etc.?

This, of course is superficial and subjective and not what the high end is about...but the fastest cars I ever drove were race cars and not street cars...and no race car was as good looking as some of the street/sports cars I have owned. 

As far as my audio components, I did like the looks of the CJ-ART, the Martin-Logan Sequel II, and surprisingly some of the Nakamichi SoundSpace models I have had.  In there own way the classic Audio Research look is one I have owned and respect, but are not overly "pretty". (overall the CJ-ART was the most enjoyable to look at as I listened to great music)

Since this is subjective, there is no "wrong" reply and we should respect everyone's opinion.........even if they are seriously mistaken!

I should add that performance affects my judgement....the Dahlquist DQ-10 is not a beauty winner, but they were so darned good....that they started to look good to me.

Thanks



whatjd
cd318,  

Perhaps that is a thought for a different thread, the ugliest high end audio products ever?




 Italian made audio products in general are the most visually appealing to me, whether minimalist or lavish in aesthetics.
@whatjd 

I remember there was a thread against the near ubiquitous usage of black in audio. 


@dayglow 

Sonus Faber have certainly made some beautiful loudspeakers which frankly now look like they were years ahead of their time. Amati Futura, anyone? 


I guess a lot of designers don't wish to stray too far from what they might consider acceptable from wherever they foresee as the products eventual home.

There's also the question of system matching, in looks as well as in sound. In my case I find it a little strange as to just how much these things matter more to me nowadays.

I'm guessing that marriage and kids must have gone someway towards making the visual element more important. Or maybe there's just no getting away from the fact the visual element is, to some extent or another, inextricably intertwined with the sonic appreciation. 

As soon as my amp or CD player need replacing you can bet that the colour will be an important factor in their replacement. I'd find it hard to resist an amplifier decked out in gold, and I'd rather a CD player in silver over black anytime. 

I'd also like to see more disc spinners which allow you to see the disc spinning.

It works beautifully for vinyl, and although I always previously resisted the temptation to buy one which had a strobe fitted, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't in future. 

Technics SL 1200GR with red strobe lights?