Most aesthetically pleasing amplifiers

[Count Arthur]

I wouldn't even buy weed of that guy.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

 

[Sal1950]

Certainly high on the list -- but on the other hand it was extremely Henry Kloss-y looking!
Not that it looked like Henry, but it looked like most other hifi and radio components he had a hand in bringing to market - over a span of several decades.

I always want to pick up one of the KLH style table radios, just loved the old school look.
I remember reviews saying they actually sounded pretty good for the price/size.

You are spot on when it comes to trends. The all-white interior design trend is fading according to Gemini AI’s summary:

That's good to hear, not that I'm moving anywhere short of a hurricane blowing me away.
I do really miss the look and feel of old home construction. My brick (circa 1920) bungalow in Chicago with it's large oak moldings, trim, and flooring just gave me that warm, welcome home feeling for 3+ decades.

 

[Mart68]

Sansui B-2301

 

[totti1965]

I like the Luxman M05 and the Accuphase P600 - and of course the Minimalistic Design of….. Guess Who!

 

[totti1965]

Certainly not one with VU meters. Distracting, pointless... ... I hate them.
My Benchmark AHB2 is pure understated beauty.
View attachment 197801
Regards Andrew

B200 is same direction but even more understated!

 

[Sal1950]

the Accuphase P600

That's a real beauty. Now put it in a warm walnut case with some large grip thumb screws to hold it in by the rack mount handles and perfection.

 

[Hiten]

A Polish company's offering.
A tribute to 70s/80s electronics ?

 

[Pauli]

OK – not just an amp, but ... well –

 

[Power Pop 23]

OK – not just an amp, but ... well –

View attachment 545835

I would rather see a 'retro design' from Marantz using these typefaces than the evolution of a 'port hole' - originally used for a VU meter, into a digital display of small dimensions.

 

[Pauli]

I would rather see a 'retro design' from Marantz using these typefaces [...]

I understand that. But we have to be aware that those typefaces are so vintage that it hurts (today). Also the character (number) spacing was something that took all my nerves trying to replicate it within my illustration

 

[Gio-G]

These are not my photos, but these are the first two "real" stereo receiver/amps I ever had. They were Christmas gifts few years apart. I eventually gave this one on the top to my younger sister. I thought they were both very cool looking rigs at the time.

I thought this was the best thing ever. No knobs, just buttons and a sleek design. Plus,,,,,,, "Audio/Video Computer Control Center"? Forget about it!!!

 

[Tovarich007]

My prefered amps (for style) are definitely Accuphase (the P600 is my favorite too but they all look fine anyway), then a lot of Yamahas, of Sansui (the excellent B2301 indeed, but also the 919 and 717 and the Definition series from 1975, integrated and power amps as well like the B5000), the Sony Esprit and also Braun and Quad, these two last for originality and simplicity.
And, mind you, all these amps were -or are yet- very good.

And in the end I must confess I like classic Mc Intosh too. But since 10/15 years, their design went way too much complex and a bit bling bling.
I wish that now Bose took over the ownership, Mc design will go back to more simplicity.

 

[jeffaegrim]

Very handsome 125s !
Don't know what you didn't like about the early David designed VTL's? Back in their day they were about the best measuring tube amps available.
I preferred the open architecture look of my older Compact MB's, if I'm going to run tubes, I want to see them, specially at night.
View attachment 545514

Thanks Sal! Perhaps I should have elaborated - they were great as tube amps. If they were cheaper, I would have kept my pair. I meant to say that they are just objectively not as good as solid state amps that are less noisy and don’t require setting the bias, changing tubes, etc. I was driving 95db sensitivity horns with them and there was just a little too much hiss through the horn.

I used to deploy mine without the „cage“ all the time too

 

[respice finem]

View attachment 545810
A Polish company's offering.
A tribute to 70s/80s electronics ?

Yes it is. Frankly, I didn't expect them to survive, given their steep prices, but they did.

Unitra

Piękno polskiej inżynierii. Legendarne produkty audio.

unitra.com

 

[Vladimir Filevski]

Boothroyd Stuart Meridian 101 preamplifier and two 103 mono amplifiers.

Incredibly thin.
I like those "piano keyboard keys" switches.

 

[dansan69]

Primare systems 928 from the 80s, very sculptural and ahead of their time.

 

[Sal1950]

I know it's irrational but a mains powered device in a wooden box screams "fire hazard" to me

It's those damn wall-wart power supplies that scream "fire hazard" to me.

I don't think he had a hand in designing Dame Diana.

She is a cutie !!!

Thanks Sal! Perhaps I should have elaborated - they were great as tube amps. If they were cheaper, I would have kept my pair. I meant to say that they are just objectively not as good as solid state amps that are less noisy and don’t require setting the bias, changing tubes, etc. I was driving 95db sensitivity horns with them and there was just a little too much hiss through the horn.

Love them open topped like that !
I know exactly what you're saying about the rest, specially the hiss/noise/hum. I was running mine on 104db rated Klipsch La Scala's and noise could be a real PITA.
I don't know why but had to go thru the AC plug polarity of every component in the system, first mostly ditching the 3 prong plugs for 2 prong adapters then checking hum levels with them inserted each way? My power tubes lasted me 10 years and a lot of hours, remaining very stable in bias settings. OTOH the 12AT7 input gain and phase splitter tubes gave me headaches with noise, about once a year I'd have to replace one when the hiss level would raise to a level audible at the MLP.
Tubes can be Kool to own for various reasons, but definitely come with their 1950s tech weaknesses that you just have to live with or get rid of.

 

[DanielT]

A vintage hi-fi bonanza in the video below. Damn, there are so many great-looking amps and receivers—as you can see in the video. They’re also promoting an event coming up in October. It would be fun to check out.

Kenwood Model 600...

...is highlighted in the video, for example, starting at 10:48.

Vinyl Summit - Home

www.vinylsummit.com

 

[Bland_username42069]

Teac’s amps look nice to me

Shame they are so pricey.