Who, do you think, designs the best looking tube-based devices?
In my system the integrated sits front and center on the floor, where its hard to imagine anything looking better than this. https://www.ravenaudio.com/product/reflection-mk2/ My sensible side says Osprey but the emotional side keeps whispering, "Reflection." |
I like some of Don Garber’s (Fi) practical/sculptural designs as well as a couple of David Berning’s older "window display" models. Also like the plain look (no exposed tubes) of the company (forget their name) currently manufacturing amps based upon David Berning’s less expensive designs. Though SS the Dayens’ Amino amplifier reminds me of the amps mentioned in the above paragraph. I liked my early Audion Silver Night 300B amp for it clean understated (half width) looks. Eva Manley has manufactured some unusual (great looking) gear, but she’s into vintage/modern motor bikes, from what I gather, so I wouldn’t expect anything less. VAC (Eva’s Ex?) also had a fully caged integrated (85 something I think) that I found attractive. Aside from the plastic knobs (didn’t fare well over time) I like the later Dynaco PAS preamps with silver faceplates, SCA-35 integrated and the FM3 tuner for their clean/classic look (no need for exposed tubes). Also, the Marantz 8 (with white dial meter) and Harmon Kardon’s II and V amps come to mind. Hovland (who is local to me) has a very, very good eye, but the addition of Blue lights killed it somewhat - for me anyway. Leak and Quad also produced attractive vintage gear. The tube gear in my setup is awful looking, but as it’s located on the other side of the speaker wall (in a hallway closet) so it’s no big whoop. Seems I’m all over the map as far as HiFi gear goes, but as far as women (woman) I settled/cemented on Black Irish in the early 90’s and have never regretted it (good Black Irish don’t crack - as the saying goes). DeKay |
