what is more popular silver or black face plates

It seems black faceplates are generally popular among audiophiles but I value the design and look of the face plate more than the color.  Champagne gold finish like Accuphase amp is appealing too, classy and timeless.

I had an old system for my parents’ living room back in the ’70s. Its components sat on a shiny whitish marble coffee table in front of the front windows. It replaced a brown Magnavox wood console furniture unit, and I very much wanted it to look elegant and appropriate for the decor, not too equipment-y.

The brushed gold faceplates and minimalist controls design of the Acoustic Research Amp and matching Tuner were just what I needed. I had them in their wood cases.  I partnered them with a Benjamin Miracord 50h, the turntable with the square chrome pushbuttons, under a big smokey dustcover. My Rectilinear Hiboys were toed in in the corners. It was a good system for its time and the look was perfect.

Alternate selections that I considered but did not choose were Dynaco PAT 4 preamp with Dynaco Stereo 120, an old Fisher tuner, Dual 1019 table, and AR 3a speakers. Lots of buttons switches and knobs. Definitely a studly dorm rig back then.

@wturkey  +1

As said above, in the seventies silver exemplified quality. In the eighties it seemed to me that when it came to uniformity, silver was more difficult to keep uniform. In a rack, mixed silver looked tacky. Black was easier in that regard. 

I think that home theater setups (no glare on black) in the eighties as well as a trend toward American manufacturing influenced the change. The seventies were completely influenced by the Japanese market and their demand for silver faceplates. The Japanese still demand silver. There were many pieces of gear they made where silver was only available in Japan. I agree with the Japanese. I want my gear to look as good as it sounds. I don't mind black components. They should be aesthetically pleasing however. 

I prefer black , used silver . My turntable is red  VPI scout, white Prime scout turntable, I like colors at times as long as it’s done right.