How Much Do Aesthetics Factor Into Your Decisions?

thecarpathian

Flamingo's name is Mitchell, due to one of Donna's best friend's husband's name. They like Flamingos. Perfectly logical right?

I think for most people In this hobby their audio purchase is a combination of both performance and aesthetics.  Then there is the will the component be accepted by their significant other factor.  

Aesthetics were very important to me when I met my current wife of 30 years. Her, not so much. I win.

On the subject of audio. I’ve owned great-sounding (to me) gear over the years that was so ugly it looked like it has been ate by a coyote and s--- off a cliff. In my older age, I’ve been hypothesized by big blue lights, so the "military surplus" look has gone to the wayside. But, still safely stored in my loft (with original packing, manuals, etc). My hand-built 6’-4" Alpine white monoliths have remained in the living/listening room for decades. So glad asthetics are not a high priority for my wife. She likes the sound. And, tolerates the additional "furniture" in the room.

Aesthetics were very important to me when I CHOSE my current wife of 34 years.

I win.

I purchased each piece of my gear based on lots of research, my ability to afford it and each piece just happens to look good. I never really considered aesthetics.