Ugly vs Gogeous speakers

...and one finds oneself at the 'aesthetics' of the reproducer of the sound we seek.  Speakers as 'sculpture', when the 'object of desire' needs to fulfill not just the qualities of recreating the music we love.  Since it's a focus of attention, one hopes that it looks 'good' or 'intriguing' while doing it.  The 'monkey box look' don't cut it no more... *G*  Unless one's listening area 'devices' need to support a lamp, a vase, or some cherished item, fitting into the trappings of a 'normal' living space that most of us have...

SAF becomes a factor for some.  If it doesn't fit her (or his, taking a 'liberal approach' to ones' relationships) thoughts on furnishings in a shared environment, more 'trad' designs will win the day and the nod. ;)

A lot of the 'high end' units look their best when allowed to stand as they are....high technology items, mechanisms like the flat screens we watch, no way to disguise their purpose.  They become 'audio jewelry', items of desire, high water marks of their intent, looking best when allowed to be such, 'minimalist' in their display.

ESLs' and MBLs', and their 'larger' cousins come to mind.  A Rothko painting betwixt would look fantastic.  Anything earlier...ehhh, selection becomes 'dicey'....'Renaissance'...it'd better be an original to pull it off. ;)

Everything else....*shrug*.  If you've got the dedicated space with all the appurtenances for 'room acoustics' that the space dictates that you Must Have to 'make it work' for you and the 'significant other' has ceded control of it to you.....

Knock yourself out. *G*

Personally, I'm working on a driver that 'disappears'.  Does what it does without drawing attention to itself.  That's my 'take' on the subject.  As for what you want to have to look at, enjoy the compromises involved.... 

gdhal...that's the most apt comment posted so far.  Congrats on cutting to the chase. ;) *5's*

I'm still chuckling over 'a gorgeous form of ugly'...

There's a lot of that 'out there'...the MBLs' have been referred to 'alien fire hydrants'. and scrolling back through this thread  there's been a lot slung at other units of various 'intent'...

It truly is 'eye of the beholder'....mixed with the 'ear of the owner', which makes it truly a very mixed bag.  It's no wonder that the 'serious listening space' (aka, "Man Cave") has evolved into a very planned and detailed arrangement when taken to the extremes....

Which leads me to an observation and a question: Is this a Good Thing, or a Bad Thing?  Do we expect the 'new recruit' to not be shocked at the extremes of both details and costs to not be driven off by what could be viewed as dilettantes discussing the population of angels on a pin head?  Will he/she/either just decide to be happy with the Bluetoothed turntable bought to explore 'this vinyl thing'?  When approached by a 'newbie' with some basic questions, shall we rein in the urge to flood them with cable this 'n that. and our personal prefs in that regard?

Should we erect a 'newbie forum'?  Big letters at the entry:

"Welcome to a very satisfying pursuit, the quest for music as You perceive it.  The experience can be as simple or as involved as You choose to make it.  Here you will find some basic advice and commentary on how to begin.  Stop at any time if you're happy with what you hear and experience.  Or, as your interest evolves, you can investigate your thoughts and desires for Perfection as you see fit.  In any case, WELCOME."

We can be an opinionated and rather daunting bunch to the casual observer.  And the technology is still evolving...the 'A' amp of now may become the 'A+' of tomorrow, since it's just a matter of design and software now.  I'm not saying 'toss that fire-bottled 70# thing into the recycle bin, no.  Just keep in mind that the future wins, eventually.

 Someone WILL figure out how to make a 'point source' speaker that will make anything we currently discuss its' pros and cons Moot.  And you will probably buy them.  Because they're that much Better....

All speakers sound good to those that own them, regardless of what they look like. *shrug*  'Twas always thus.  Any audio show proves that....