How Much Do Aesthetics Factor Into Your Decisions?

I do like the flamingo!

lots. if i dont like lookin at it i wont buy it. 

I recently replaced my beautiful looking amp with a plain Jane looking one that performs much better, especially at higher volumes.  Would I go back to the pretty one?  Heck,no.  Most of us want to close the eyes and just listen anyway.

@dekay it lasted 20 years but it died about 5 years ago and we couldn't find it anywhere.  I can't remember the brand, but I think it was European, but it made American style waffles.

For me it's in line with "variety is the spice of life". There is so much variety out there in our wonderful hobby, I would argue that for a desired sound, at a desired price point, one would find many variations aesthetically to float ones boat. 

I dig gear that looks a little different. Scale too... There's a lot of art and design in HiFi. 

I have some pristine and flawless pieces, (my Margules ACRH and recently acquired Cary SLI-80HS) and I have scratched and dented ones (my Mac240, Cary 2300A amps, TDL Compacts). I love them all. 

I have some that are sort of stuck in time. (an Ariston integrated amp that just screams "Miami Vice 80's".

I wish i could say it's all about the sound, the HiFi.. but I cant honestly. The way things look and speak to me on a visual level matter. 

I look at it like this. if someone gave me a choice between a group B Audi S2 monster rally car, and a Porsche 356, I'd choose the Porsche every time. 

This all may not have made a whole lot of sense, I have two new puppies and I'm sleep deprived.