Most aesthetically pleasing amplifiers

[Count Arthur]

I've never really liked the "guts sticking out" appearance of valve gear, but I do like bottom part of this:

I still think it would be better if it were solid state and didn't need to have it's innards sticking out the top.

 

[David James]

I have one of these. When this thing is on the tube glow and the old indicator lights are very nice. Love the face plate colour.

 

[Sal1950]

I have one of these. When this thing is on the tube glow and the old indicator lights are very nice. Love the face plate colour.

Loved the look of the early H. H. Scott gear. My first memory of hearing a true Hi-Fi was back when I was a young kid and a grammar school friend invited me to his house to listen to the newly released Beach Boys album. His dad owned a system typical of the day with a number of H. H. boxes build into one of those component cabinets, I'd never heard anything like it, I was blown away, that first hit is always free. LOL
Back in the 80s I bought and restored to best on my ability, this 310-B tuner, it worked decently. Never found the real wood cabinet for it but the original Leatherette one was in mint shape. It sat on my shelf lookin purdy till I sold it for retirement funds.

 

[mhardy6647]

A few HH Scott pieces here. Lovely indeed, and good sounding, too.
Nice tuners, well into the solid state era.

 

[JiiPee]

A modern integrated amplifier with built-in streamer

 

[EJ3]

A modern integrated amplifier with built-in streamer
View attachment 544895

There is some modern gear whose looks that I like. That one, to me, is just innocuous. Not like, not dis-like.

 

[Mart68]

I don't like dials with no markings. It's form over function. I don't like to think I'm buying jewellery.

 

[Bleib]

No markings needed if it has a display..

But here's another variant

Class D


The CD-player has a unique design to it as well

What hifi gave the thumbs down to the CD-player, but there's nothing scientific about their review

 

[PristineSound]

One of the favorites that I own or have owned.

 

[Aure]

Hegel 90, Marantz PM-7005, Primare i22.

Good evening. Of all the amplifiers I've owned, these are the ones I find the most beautiful.

P.S. I saw Gato Audio listed on the first page (p2) ... Would you mind moving them to the "ugliest amps" list instead? Thanks! (Humour intended.)

 

[CptKaos]

if simplicity is beautiful to you, the WiiM Vibelink pretty much nails it

 

[PristineSound]

if simplicity is beautiful to you, the WiiM Vibelink pretty much nails it
View attachment 545030

I don't know if simplicity is the word I would use to describe this, perhaps miniature would be a better fit.

 

[Poman123]

 

[Multicore]

Deccasound DS9000

 

[Ropeburn]

if simplicity is beautiful to you, the WiiM Vibelink pretty much nails it
View attachment 545030

But what if you just don't like iMacs and Apple design in general? Lol

 

[mhardy6647]

A modern integrated amplifier with built-in streamer
View attachment 544895

which knob does what, and 42 whats? Or is it a sly reference to the Answer to Life, The Universe, and Everything?
Epic fail from an ergonomic perspective, I'd opine.

EDIT: Aesthetically: blandly innocuous. Not unattractive, just... easy to look past.

 

[Ropeburn]

which knob does what, and 42 whats? Or is it a sly reference to the Answer to Life, The Universe, and Everything?
Epic fail from an ergonomic perspective, I'd opine.

In the synth world, the gold standard is "one knob per function" for best and most intuitive usability. Hardly ever achieved except on rather simple devices because it's naturally costy.

This one here is the polar opposite. One knob (or two) per all functions. Of course that's called "sleek design" or something.

 

[mhardy6647]

In the synth world, the gold standard is "one knob per function" for best and most intuitive usability. Hardly ever achieved except on rather simple devices because it's naturally costy.

This one here is the polar opposite. One knob (or two) per all functions. Of course that's called "sleek design" or something.

... and what appears to be a two-digit display.
Maybe it's hooked up to a TV.

 

[mhardy6647]

It does beat the snot out of that abysmal Kinki integrated amp, though -- even though it's cut from the same dreary cloth.

 

[Ropeburn]

View attachment 545170

It does beat the snot out of that abysmal Kinki integrated amp, though -- even though it's cut from the same dreary cloth.
View attachment 545169

Both look like goofy robots