Electronics You Would Buy Just for the Looks

[watchnerd]

I try to stay objective and empirical, but I love cool looking gear as much as the next geek, even if it doesn't actually sound appreciably better and has diminishing returns.

But here are a few pieces I'd get just for the looks. What are yours?

 

[dallasjustice]

Nagra, Dartzeel and Soulution are my favorite audio jewelry. I once dropped a 400 lbs YG speaker onto a Dartzeel cth8550. It was like the irresistible force against the immovable object. The Dartzeel worked perfectly after that. I sent it back to have the face plate replaced and everything else was perfect. Don't ask me how it all happened. It was a weird sequence of events.

 

[dallasjustice]

Right now, the only thing I'd buy just for the VU meters and overall finish is the Accuphase P-7300. I love how accuphase went back to the old skool VU meters.

 

[watchnerd]

Those VU meters are awesome.

 

[amirm]

I will post my examples as I remember them. First is the Pioneer RT-909:

 

[amirm]

or its analog version:

 

[RayDunzl]

The original ML Statement

 

[Sal1950]

or its analog version:

I owned that RT 707 for many years. Did great recording although I never had a opportunity to use it that way much. Just mainly playing pre-recorded stuff.

Back in the day I probably bought my Marantz 2270 receiver mainly for it's looks.
Thought it the most handsome on the market at the time. I'd get another if I had the need and etc. I've seen rebuilds on ebay using blue led lighting, stunning.
Oh for the days of oiled walnut cases.

 

[watchnerd]

Just bought one of these:

 

[amirm]

Just bought one of these:

That is really cute!

 

[watchnerd]

That is really cute!

And it has a real, functional, VU meter that serves a legit purpose!

 

[Sal1950]

And it has a real, functional, VU meter that serves a legit purpose!

Had to Google it to find out what it did. LOL
It's much larger in size that I pictured it.

 

[watchnerd]

Had to Google it to find out what it did. LOL
It's much larger in size that I pictured it.

Function?

Looking boss is its main function.

I can do the same stuff it does using software plugins (from the same maker as the hardware, interestingly) for 1/10th the price.

 

[watchnerd]

BTW, for those who may not be aware, a lot of software plugins actually look and work like the HW they emulate:

 

[watchnerd]

I've almost bought one of these more than once...

 

[Sal1950]

I bought this Mitsubishi DA-F20 tuner mainly for that KOOL digital readout, it was the first "affordable" FM tuner to offer it back then. Luckily it also was an excellent sounding and measuring tuner, very collectible today.

 

[watchnerd]

I bought this Mitsubishi DA-F20 tuner mainly for that KOOL digital readout, it was the first "affordable" FM tuner to offer it back then. Luckily it also was an excellent sounding and measuring tuner, very collectible today.
View attachment 5199

Nice, do you still have it?

 

[Ken Newton]

I just love the look of, and the ads for, 1970's HiFi gear.
It's the period when my love for audio took hold.

 

[hvbias]

I've never seen a piece of audio equipment that has compelled me enough to buy based on looks. If one did, an amp that looks like an inline 6 or flat 6 engine would be pretty cool. In my single days I would have liked at least a coffee table of the former.

 

[Sal1950]

Nice, do you still have it?

Nope, sold it off along with everything else before 2010 retirement move to FL
Sadly never took a better picture than these from a family party in 1994