what is more popular silver or black face plates
It seemed back in the 80's & 90's most high end components were black. Although some components today still offer black finishes it seems silver is now more popular. What are your thoughts & color preference?
@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. |
Perplexity AI’s answer to the above question is: “ Black has become the more prevalent color for audio equipment, though preferences vary. Here’s a breakdown: • Historical context Silver was more common in the 1970s, while black became predominant in the following decades. • Matching components Black is often favored because it’s easier to match with other components. Silver components can be harder to find and match across different brands. • Aesthetics Some prefer black for its ability to blend in and not draw attention, especially in home theater setups. Silver is sometimes preferred for highlighting the equipment and its features. • Personal preference Ultimately, the choice between black and silver often comes down to personal taste and how well it fits with the user’s existing setup and room decor. • Market availability Black is generally more available, though some manufacturers offer silver options, especially in markets outside of North America. NOTE THIS = • Resale Black equipment may be easier to resell due to its popularity. Brands may offer both black and silver options to appeal to different aesthetic preferences and to maximize sales. Black, white, and silver are considered universally neutral and are the least likely to offend, appealing to the broadest demographic. Black is often favored for its ability to blend in, while silver can highlight the equipment. Some brands might stick to only one color, like black, to keep production costs down. Black is also associated with heat management, keeping internal components in the dark, and projecting sophistication. Ultimately, the choice depends on the brand’s target market and desired image. NOTE THIS = Technically, black faceplates in equipment may offer slight advantages: 1. Heat Absorption: Black absorbs more heat, which can help with passive cooling in some designs, though this is often negligible in modern electronics. 2. Light Reflection: Black reflects less light, reducing glare and distractions, making it ideal for environments like home theaters or studios. 3. Aesthetic Neutrality: Black is less prone to showing dirt or fingerprints compared to lighter colors like silver. However, these advantages are typically minor and mostly aesthetic or situational rather than functional. Production costs significantly influence the color options available for products due to the following factors: 1. Material Costs: Certain colors require specialized materials or pigments, which can be more expensive. For instance, metallic or custom colors often incur higher costs compared to standard black or white. 2. Manufacturing Complexity: Producing multiple color options increases manufacturing complexity. Each color may require separate production lines, additional setup time, or unique processes like anodizing or spot color printing, which raise costs. 3. Standardization: Offering a single color, such as black, simplifies production and reduces costs by allowing bulk purchasing of materials and streamlined manufacturing processes. 4. Market Demand: Brands may limit color options to those with the highest demand to avoid overproduction of less popular colors, which could lead to inventory waste. These cost considerations often drive brands to prioritize black or neutral tones for efficiency and cost-effectiveness”. My answer is black but it also depends on availability. i hope the above helps. Perplexity AI also wanted you to know this: ”Some brands offer both black and silver options while others only offer black due to a combination of factors: |
Mixed…all my Audio Research gear (phono, line stage, amp) is in silver as I’m a traditionalist. My SimAudio Moon gear is black but I do strongly prefer their black and silver designs. |
