What do you prioritize in your system SQ or asthetics ?

It has to have both, although if I'm honest, SQ comes first. I live alone, so there is no WAF that I have to deal with, but I worked in the home furnishings/design field for forty years so for me the room must look good and sound good.

 

Sound comes first. I wouldn’t pass up a piece of equipment that sounded mind blowing just because it looked awful.

 

Sq for sure. If they sound the same then I'd pick the better looking one.

But if one is just slightly better sounding than the other but ghastly in appearance, I'll pick the better sounding unit.

It's all about the ears isn't it?

I pick my art pieces based on looks fyi.

 

I am a hermit, so send comes first.

 

Sound has always been first. I try to get the best sound I can but at the same time make my listening room comfortable so when friends stop by they can enjoy the way I do. It's my basement (walkout) so I live down here most of the time.

 

While I certainly appreciate good looking gear sound by far comes first. Having said that, I can't say as I have an ugly piece in the house.

 

What piece/s of equipment has anyone bought that they don't like the look of?

Lots of choice out there, and genuinely interested what sounded so good that they just had to.

 

Easy one, sound.

Although I'm working on the aesthetics.
It is tough for me to put so much effort into aesthetics for zero sound gain.

 

Sound quality is paramount but I'm fortunate in having a big room with adjacent walk in storage for PC tower, NAS, guitar cases, etc. Therefore I am able to keep the room main reasonably easy on the eye.

That's fine for the time being but we looking to move to smaller house so I may have to rethink my priorities.

 

I love the sound of Cyrus gear; so clearly, looks do not come high on my priority list!!

 

Schiit GMB, bang for the buck sound.
Audio Research LS27. Amazing increase in dynamics and detail over my previous pre. Stupid fookin handles.

Both with ugly clear anodized aluminum. I'd rather they were black and would disappear.

 

Me: SOUND>>>>aesthetics
Wife: AESTHETICS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(sound)

 

I use Lava Lamps to stare at, tried to match them to the colour of my tubes > I listen in the dark the Lava helps me find my way around

sean

 

SQ obviously, but I don't like the look (and the WAF factor) of some of the more vintage tube amps or top-plate connection only DIY gear. Or beat up speakers.

 

I definitely prefer function over form, but I’ve learned to compromise and maintain balance in order to maintain a happy wife.

 

You probably are well aware of this but it’s not advisable to place them on valued equipment because lava lamps have “blown”up on on occasion causing substantial damage. Upon discovering this I immediately removed them from the top of my speakers. It’s too bad as I really liked them there.

 

There are enough brilliant sounding and beautifully (visually) designed components, no need for such a compromise.

 

That's funny- "a heinous affront to both god and man" is my girlfriends pet name for me

 

Always sound but I'd be lying if I said looks didn't play a factor.

 

. . . but I have big pink ears.

 

I have a Lava Lamp, but I spend at least half my listening time with my eyes closed, or in a low-light environment.

 

SQ above all else. I listen to my system. Not really interested in gawking at it.

 

Not everyone appreciates the design of high quality audio gear.
Take my wife-----PLEASE

 

Sound first.

Fortunately some brands have a nice design. I always like the best of both worlds.

 

All my stuff looks cool and sounds great. So im lucky i guess.