2. amps-preamps
  3. 177328-155632

Many higher end preamps are dated and ugly, why is this?

Conrad Johnson, BAT, VTL are all very good preamplifiers, they are dated and just ugly.  Audio research is a prettier amplifier but it's not very well regarded due to it sounding more like a solid state, ie. Not really a tube preamp despite all those internal lightbulbs.

Cheaper preamps can be more pretty. Schitt makes a pretty preamp for about $1000. People like pretty.

D'Agostino by many is viewed as very attractive but kind of weird. 

jumia
gavman's avatar
gavman
133 posts
 

That classe stuff embodies everything i hate about US design.

Sharp edges and corners- terrible feng shui. Ye olde tourist trappe script- urgh.

Oversize faceplates, rack mounts that noone uses, unsoftened brutalism throughout, no. Just no

lloydc's avatar
lloydc
734 posts
 

My Rogers integrated and phono pre look so cool that several female non-audiophiles have said, “ooh” and “ahh”.  This was unprecedented in my experience.  It also contributes to domestic harmony.   

avanti1960
1,402 posts
 

richthewizard's avatar
richthewizard
3 posts
 

PS Audio equipment are designed to look nice, compatible with each other & look  like high quality gear, equipment.  Buy, all!. 

jumia OP
528 posts
 

Cary is very nice but the problem is it doesn’t offer a fully functional remote. How stupid is that what is wrong with these guys?

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