I try to and have succeeded in buying equipment on sale/closeout/slightly used etc., of a short list I put together and just wait for the opportunity. Sometimes I have returned/sold due to not accepting overall performance but it has usually worked out.
While performance is the number one factor, I prefer a certain elegance/simplicity of appearance and function over something too well, abstract.
In the last 20 years, I have owned and used for an extended time the following:
Integrated amps were an HK3490, then a Hegel h160 which I recently sold but have used a Keces E40 for the last 4 years. The performance was so close in many categories on my speakers and in my room, I was happy and I as an older person wanting to downsize. Both integrateds are unobtrusive looking but performance was key. I also picked up a Van Alstine CA-1 which is as simple as it gets and between the two, I get a different presentation. The Keces more rounded and can be enjoyed while I work while the CA-1 is so transparent and more exciting that it demands attention. Two presentations, both with better separation than the Hegel but the Hegel added a certain weight to say piano notes I liked but also more glare in the upper mids. I could live with all three but like the smaller, lighter options versus heavy and large amps. If I purchase anything in the future I would expect there to be class D options that would fit the bill but these options could be the final amps, we'll see.
Speakers....I have had a variety with vinyl wrap and painted (gloss) and today, if not always have preferred a real wood veneer. The replacement speakers over my gloss Focals I purchased use birch plywood which were among other things the point that made me purchase them. These are Audel Magika II which per the reviews gave me what I was looking for. Pretty much accurate depiction of what these do. I also had the Fritz Carbon 7s, Xavians and the new Revival Audio Atalante 3 and the AC Lavals on my shortlist among a couple of others.
Looked at Dali Rubicon 2 when it was marked down but still thought price was too high for a closeout and what you get and it was noted to need alot of power. The Xavian Perla Esclusiva were high on the list which uses a pure wood box and ticked most of the key points I was looking for if perhaps also needing alot of power and may have been a bit too smooth in the highs for me (too dark?). Definitely the bass is there and one came up (later) at a decent price a few hours drive from me but didn't purchase. If it weren't for the real wood used, it may not have even gotten my attention.
The Fritz speaker was high on the list though a bit bigger than I wanted although I think it would have played just fine on either my current amps and perhaps a really good match with the CA-1. Lots of value at the time for the cost of the drivers used, If anything, might have been a bit soft in the highs for me on the Keces but can't say. Also the veneer that Fritz uses is nice whatever the choice. It also went on sale 3 days after I purchased the Audels. That was tough at the price offered. I almost bought but refrained. Now, with the price hike I don't feel compelled but would still like to hear someday.
The Atalante 3 were not available at the time either and with the death of the founding innovator I wasn't sure what the future would hold. These might have been the closest to the Focal 807Ws I had since he worked for both Focal and Dynaudio. They were also a bit larger than my targeted size. Looks wise, I liked them.
I purchased the Audels based on preference, reviews, looks and ergonomics though without the associated stand but seems fine on my simple stands. These speakers are transparent with accentuated but more refined highs versus my Focals. Overall more refined but a bit rounded were the Focals could be a bit harsh. Wider stage, definitely deeper stage in a smaller size. The Dali Rubicon 3 and the Xavian Pearla Exc. were the perfect size though. Something about the looks of the birch plywood I liked although its definitively a matter of taste. I thought the Closer OGY was nice looking and was previously considered but deemed too small and less versatile.
So yes, looks, material used, size, etc., can influence the decision as well as in my case, the price was among the lowest along with the Dali and Lavals at the time. Also, I was intrigued by the tweeter and that others found it hi performing. The accentuated highs don't bother me as my hearing is declining where I cut off near the 12K hz mark in a heavily carpeted environment. So it works for the most part. I would like a bit more bass at times but overall, it works. A small sub can help just for fill in, just a slight amount for the times it helps but it isn't necessary for enjoyment.
Anything else, such as a dac size, ergonomics and looks matters too. Currently sporting a Topping D70s and its fine. Would consider a few others including the tiny LAiV Harmony µDAC.
I've downsized on a budget and its good. Most here have alot more expensive gear for higher performance and power for a more live sounding performance but I've reached a point I can enjoy without chasing unicorns. There are a few Dacs I am intrigued by at higher prices but these may not provide the highest level of performance given my current setup, so what's the point? Also, getting service for more exotic equipment is seemingly getting more difficult so you set constraints in price to performance.
But as to how it all looks can always be a deciding factor.
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