Many higher end preamps are dated and ugly, why is this?


Conrad Johnson, BAT, VTL are all very good preamplifiers, they are dated and just ugly.  Audio research is a prettier amplifier but it's not very well regarded due to it sounding more like a solid state, ie. Not really a tube preamp despite all those internal lightbulbs.

Cheaper preamps can be more pretty. Schitt makes a pretty preamp for about $1000. People like pretty.

D'Agostino by many is viewed as very attractive but kind of weird. 

jumia

PS Audio equipment are designed to look nice, compatible with each other & look  like high quality gear, equipment.  Buy, all!. 

Cary is very nice but the problem is it doesn’t offer a fully functional remote. How stupid is that what is wrong with these guys?

Many Audiophiles are dated and ugly. Why is this?

We prefer experienced and classic looks. 

"One does not see what is in front of their eyes, one sees what is behind their eyes"

...or the more common truism "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"