Most Architectural Turntable/Best Looking?

Whatjd-
The fact I live on Ashwood Drive of course has nothing to do with anything. But in looking at everything from natural finished guitars to hardwood flooring, and excluding the Exotic hardwoods, good 'ol Ash is my reigning favorite.

To your question- appearance is a large factor in my decisions. These days, I'd say that just having a TT installed is bound to draw attention. I have to deal with enough "what's that?" questions that I lean to a slightly low profile appearance.

IMHO, especially in this digital age, *all turntables are lovely and make quite a statement, especially alongside rows of LP's racked up. I'd exclude a thrift shop BIC or Garrard changer in that picture though. My VPI 19 is now so humdrum looking that no one really sees it. I'd say a TNT or an Aries would be the upper limit of making a stement.

The old Sau Win turntable would get my vote. If you like machine shop looks the Rockport would be hard to beat.

My old 50h is still in the closet. I really liked its square/cubical motif. Back when it was new, one of the fanciest looking turntables on the market was the gold-toned Empire with integral arm and imposing looking wooden base. Does anybody else remember?

The Empire, of course. It struck me at the time as looking a bit to expensive and foo-foo vs. the 50H. I remember where I was when I saw the ad for it in a mag.

It took me 5 seconds to remember the 50H had (I think) an ELAC cart.

The times were simpler; the perhaps thousands of sides and cuts played w/o any clue or worry about soundstaging or power cords.

A lot of this discussion is missing one key consideration - the context of their environment. A VYGER or La Luce might look great in certain places, but totally out of place in others. 

For me, after much thought and perseveration, a VPI Prime provides the combination of SQ and visual statement I wanted without totally dominating the room. YMMV